Diego and the Rocket Fuel Ratio

Ages 6–8

At the town rocket field, Diego tests fizzy chemical rockets and puffing air-pressure rockets side by side, hunting for the perfect fuel ratio -- until one test wobbles sideways and teaches him the biggest lesson of the day.

Kids see that careful measuring, safe testing, and learning from a wobbly "failed" try are how real scientists find the best answer.

"Ready, Diego?" called a voice from beside the striped launch tower. Diego nodded, safety glasses snug over his eyes. Today's big question: what's the perfect ratio to make a rocket fly the very highest? He could not wait to find out.

"Rule one," said Dr. Mara, her hand tapping a spare pair of glasses on the table, "safety glasses on before any rocket flies!" Diego checked his own glasses were snug. Fennik counted the rockets lined up on the table. "One chemical rocket, one air rocket, one mystery rocket!" he chirped. "Fizz, measure, fly!"

For rocket one, Diego poured a small splash of vinegar and one packet of baking soda inside. "Just a little fizz," he said, snapping the nose cone shut. "The gas will build up inside until -- pop! Let's see how high a little fizz can fly. Fizz, measure, fly!"

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