Get ready for some spooky science fun! These ghost rockets blast into the air thanks to a fizzy chemical reaction, making them the perfect mix of Halloween craft and STEM experiment. Just grab a snap-lid container from the dollar store and a few simple supplies, and you’ll be watching your Alka-Seltzer rocket launch sky-high in no time at all!
Kids will love the thrill of drawing a spooky ghost face, mixing the “secret potion,” and then standing back to watch their ghost rocket pop and fly. It’s hands-on, a little bit messy, and packed with Halloween excitement — the kind of activity that feels like magic, while sneaking in a cool science lesson, too.
How to Make Ghost Rockets
Materials:
- Snap-lid container(similar to a film canister)
- Black oil paint marker(or Sharpie)
- Cornstarch(optional)
- Water
- Alka-Seltzer
Equipment:
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Popsicle stick(or spoon)
Check Out The Video Tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
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Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Draw a ghost face
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Hold the container with the lid facing you.
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Draw a ghost face on one side of the container with an oil paint marker. The top of the ghost is the bottom of the container.
Step 3: Add the first ingredients
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Add 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch to the container.
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Then fill about 1/3 of the way with water (it’s okay if it’s closer to 1/2 full).
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Stir the cornstarch and water with a popsicle stick or small spoon.
Step 4: Go outside and watch the ghost rocket fly
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Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet in half.
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Very important: You must do this next step outside.Drop the Alka-Seltzer tablet into the container.
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Close the lid as quickly as possible. Make sure it snaps on tight.
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Flip the ghost right side up, so the lid is on a flat surface. This can be a table, bench, or the ground.
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Make sure to take a big step back and watch in anticipation as the pressure builds up in the container and the ghost pops off!
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Watch in awe as your ghost rocket flies into the air!Your ghost rocket is complete.
Helpful Tips:
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Seal quickly and safely: Snap on the lid on as quickly as possible, but make sure it’s sealed tightly. Then flip the container over as quickly as possible — the gas builds up fast, and you’ll want to keep your hands clear before your ghost rocket takes off.
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Take it outside: Ghost rockets are messy, and they need plenty of space to launch. Do this activity outdoors where there’s room for your rockets to fly high into the air.
What container is best for making ghost rockets?
We used small snap-lid storage containers from the dollar store that are about 1-1/2 inches tall and 1-1/8 inches wide.
Traditionally, this activity was done with old film canisters (and you can still find them online, including on Amazon!). But really, any small container with a snap on lid should work, as long as it seals tightly.
What can I use to draw a face on my ghost rocket?
A black oil paint marker works beautifully. It glides on smoothly and creates a bold design.
But a black Sharpie permanent marker also works, if that’s what you have on hand. It won’t look as crisp and dark as the faces we drew, and it’s a bit streakier, but it definitely works!
Do you need to use cornstarch in this ghost rockets experiment?
Nope! You can make ghost rockets with just water and Alka-Seltzer. Simply fill the container halfway with water and drop in half a tablet. The cornstarch version makes the fizzing more dramatic, but both methods launch the rockets just fine.
How does the Alka-Seltzer rocket experiment work?
When the Alka-Seltzer reacts with water, it produces carbon dioxide gas. That gas builds up inside the sealed container until the pressure is too much, and the lid pops off — sending the container flying into the air like a rocket. It’s a fun, hands-on way for kids to see a chemical reaction in action!
And that’s it: your very own ghost rockets! It’s amazing how something so simple can launch so high into the air with such a loud, satisfying POP!
Kids will love decorating their spooky containers, waiting for the fizz to build, and then squealing with excitement as their rocket blasts off. Whether you’re doing it at home, as a school activity, or for a backyard party, ghost rockets are sure to be a Halloween hit!
Here’s even more fall STEM craft ideas:
