You can pick up a package of cheap plastic lidded canisters like the kind used for this experiment at the supermarket or dollar store. [2] X Research source

Use a glue stick to attach your paper pieces to the body of your rocket. [4] X Research source Be sure to put the nose cone on the opposite end of the canister as the lid. You’ll be using the lid to load your fuel and send your rocket into orbit.

It’s not necessary to measure out 1 teaspoon (4. 9 mL) of water exactly. Just eyeball it and use about as much as would take to fill the film canister up halfway. [6] X Research source

Antacid tablets are designed to start dissolving as soon as they come in contact with water, so you’ll need to perform this step quickly in order for your launch to be a success.

Antacid rockets don’t require lighting, so you won’t have to worry about a blast. Still, it’s a good idea to stand clear—your rocket is likely to make a mess as it completes its flight![9] X Research source Be sure to take your rocket outside to test it. Not only is this safer, it will also make cleanup a lot easier afterwards.

The bent paperclip will serve as a makeshift launchpad. The circular part will be the base, and the angled end is where the rocket itself will be positioned. [11] X Research source If you don’t have a paperclip handy, see if you can find a similar type of thin wire, such as a coat hanger or metal twist tie.

The loose match head will be pretty small, so be careful not to drop it or you may lose it and have to start over. The more wood there is attached to the match head, the more unnecessary weight it will add to your rocket.

The finished product will look a little bit like a popper, with a round bulb on one end and a long, winding trail coming out of the other. It’s important for the tip of the paperclip to be touching the match head in order for it to transfer enough heat to cause ignition.

Make sure your rocket isn’t pointed towards another person or any nearby objects.

For your own safety, take a few steps back after lighting your rocket. The blast it makes won’t be very big, but it could still be enough to cause burns if you’re not careful. You can make a simplified version of this type of rocket using a whole matchstick. Just wrap the match head in foil and prop it up against a paperclip bent at a 45-degree angle. [16] X Research source

In many places, you can buy lengths of uncut fuse at fireworks shops. You may also be able to find them at stores that specialize in magic supplies.

It may be easiest to use super glue or another type of fast-drying adhesive so you won’t have to hold the fuses together for a long time waiting for them to dry.

When it comes time to light your rocket, the foil will trap the energy released by the burning fuses, which will cause the rocket to sail into the air.

Wrap the fuses as smoothly as you can. Bubbles or wrinkles in the tape may create wind resistance that could slow your rocket down. A thick, grippy tape like duct tape or masking tape will work best. Avoid using clear tape, as it won’t be strong enough to hold your rocket together.

The skewer will provide just enough weight to stabilize your rocket in flight and help it travel straighter. It will also double as a convenient launchpad.

Look around for a nice soft patch of grass or dirt where you can safely set up your rocket. If the angle is too low, your rocket will simply shoot forward. If it’s too high, it will blast straight up, then get caught by the wind and drift back to the ground.

Be sure to keep your distance from the rocket until it has left the ground. If you get too close, you could accidentally get burned. After your rocket touches down again, douse it with water to make sure the fuses are completely out. [25] X Research source