Can you think of any general conference talks that mention spiritual forces that we can’t see, but that make a powerful difference?
Faith, for example? Hope? Repentance? We can’t see these things, but we can see how they change lives.
Here’s a fun activity that uses an invisible force (increasing pressure) to launch a rocket! You could try making it with your class or family.
You’ll need:
- A 2-liter bottle (like for soda pop)
- Three pencils
- Tape
- A cork or rubber stopper that fits snuggly into the mouth of the bottle
- A hammer and nail
- Water
- A bicycle pump
Instructions:
1. Tape the three pencils on opposing sides of your bottle to create long legs for your rocket to stand up on. The mouth of the bottle should be facing downward.
2. Cut the cork or stopper to be shorter than the length of the needle on your bicycle pump.
3. Hammer a thin nail through the cork to make a hole for your bicycle pump needle. Then take it out and push the needle through the hole.
4. Fill the bottle about 1/4 full of water.
5. Plug the bottle opening with the cork and needle. If it isn’t snug, take the cork out and wrap tape around the outside of it until it’s a tight fit.
6. Find an open area outside. Attach the needle to your bike pump hose. When you’re ready to launch, start pumping! You should hear water gurgling. If you hear hissing, you may need to tighten your cork.
Eventually, the pressure inside the rocket will build up and push the water and cork out—hopefully shooting your pump rocket into the air!
Make sure you do this in an open area, and get an adult’s help if you’ve never done anything like it before.
And... just like the story in this month’s magazine... why not invite someone to join the fun? Maybe you’ll make a new friend!
Experiment!
PS—You can also find instructions online for making bottle rockets using vinegar and baking soda inside the bottle. Be safe and smart and ask adults for help when you need it!