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in STEM Activities

Exploding Minecraft Creeper-Inspired Alka Seltzer Rockets

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We’re big science lovers, so we always try to take everything we do to a STEM-themed place. We have tons of STEM activity ideas to try, but one of our favorites is our latest!

In this STEM activity, Monkey wanted to know if we could build a real-life Creeper that could really explode.

I wanted to find a way to do it safely. The compromise was the classic Alka Seltzer rockets experiment!

Combine Minecraft with real-world science when you make Creeper-inspired alka seltzer rockets! Your kids will love making their own explosive Creepers.

Combine Minecraft with real-world science when you make Creeper-inspired alka seltzer rockets! Your kids will love making their own explosive Creepers.

This activity is one of our favorite technology activities for kids!

You’ll also want to check out the ultimate list of summer STEM activities and the ultimate list of summer science experiments. 

STEM challenge worksheet

Make Your Own Exploding Minecraft Creeper-Inspired Alka Seltzer Rockets

Follow these instructions to make your own exploding Alka Seltzer Rockets Minecraft Creepers:

What you’ll need for Alka-Seltzer rockets:

  • Film canisters (this specific brand will work best)
  • Green construction paper
  • Glue sticks
  • Black permanent marker
  • Scissors
  • Alka seltzer tablets 
  • Brown washable paint
  • Butcher paper
  • Safety glasses

The Science Behind Exploding Alka Seltzer Rocket Creepers

Alka seltzer is almost exactly like the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment. Alka seltzer contains baking soda and citric acid, which, when dry, won’t react.

But as soon as water is added, the mixture fizzes and creates carbon dioxide gas. With enough pressure build-up, the tops pop off the film canisters and the Creepers explode into the air.

Add Additional STEM Elements

Combine Minecraft with real-world science when you make Creeper-inspired alka seltzer rockets! Your kids will love making their own explosive Creepers.

Science: Learn about what causes the rockets to soar high into the air. Will the temperature of the water change how high it flies?

Technology: Use measuring tools to measure how far the rockets fly! Or play Minecraft and face Ceepers in the wild.

Engineering: Design your Creeper canisters (we used the instructions outlined above)

Math: Measure how far the creepers fly. Do they go farther with differing levels of Alka Seltzer or water?

How to Make Minecraft Creeper Exploding Rockets

 stem challenge cards 

First, give your film canisters a Creeper coating.

We did this by measuring how long the canister was and creating a little green construction paper “jacket” for each canister.

We also traced the bottom of the canister and cut out a green circle so the entire canister (except for the bottom) was covered in green paper.

Use a glue stick to glue the paper to the canister.

Draw a Creeper face onto each canister. The basic Creeper face is a small rectangle for the nose, then two small rectangles come down from the nose to make the mouth.

Combine Minecraft with real-world science when you make Creeper-inspired alka seltzer rockets! Your kids will love making their own explosive Creepers.

Two squares at the corner of the nose make the eyes. Take a look at the picture if you need more help.

After the Creepers are dressed and ready, mix up your “dirt” that the creepers will explode. We used a mixture of about 40 percent water and 60 percent brown paint.  

Add about a 1/2 of an inch of the pain mixture to each film canister and seal the lids tightly.

Combine Minecraft with real-world science when you make Creeper-inspired alka seltzer rockets! Your kids will love making their own explosive Creepers.

Take your Creepers outside.

Spread the Creepers onto the grass or on butcher paper for a more dramatic effect. Put on your safety glasses, just in case.

Drop an alka seltzer tablet into each Creeper container and quickly seal the container.

Step back and watch the Creepers explode!

Combine Minecraft with real-world science when you make Creeper-inspired alka seltzer rockets! Your kids will love making their own explosive Creepers.

The brown paint splatters will look just like the little bits of dirt Creepers leave behind in Minecraft.

More STEM Activities for Kids

Hands-On STEM: Carbon Atom Model

Camping Ideas that will Boost STEM Skills

Build Your Own Solar System

 stem challenge cards 

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Filed Under: STEM Activities

About Brenda Priddy

Brenda grew up thinking she hated science. But when her 4-year- old daughter was more interested in reading science facts than fairy tales, Brenda realized she had to learn more. Through simple at-home science experiments, Brenda developed a passion for science and now works as a STEMed advocate with a team of science educators to create hands-on STEM projects and curriculum for kids.

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What is STEAM?

STEAM activities for kids promote the idea that science, technology, engineering, art, and math can all work together to help kids become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators!

Join us on our journey to discover just how much fun science experiments can be.

What we do… 

STEAMsational offers STEM and science lesson plans and teaching resources to provide a firm STEM foundation for children in the classroom or home.

All you need to do is find your supplies, gather your scientists, and let the innovation unfold.

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