G. Stanley Hall Elementary sixth graders wrapped up their school year with a hands-on science challenge that put chemistry and engineering principles to the test. Working in small groups, students explored the properties of a chemical reaction — combining vinegar, water, and an Alka-Seltzer tablet to generate enough gas pressure to propel a film canister into the air. The end-of-year activity gave students an exciting, memorable way to apply scientific thinking in a competitive and collaborative setting.

Each team was responsible for measuring and mixing their own formula, then sealing it inside a film canister to harness the reaction's force. Students also had the opportunity to modify their canisters for aerodynamics, adding an engineering design element to the challenge. The combination of chemistry, measurement precision, and creative problem-solving asked students to think like scientists and engineers simultaneously.

The project culminated in a launch competition to determine whose canister would travel the farthest — giving the experiment a concrete goal that raised the stakes and motivated careful testing and iteration. By designing, testing, and refining their formulas, students experienced the scientific method in action, from hypothesis to measurable result.

The activity reflects a broader commitment across PLCS to closing the school year with meaningful, inquiry-based experiences that reinforce core concepts while sparking student enthusiasm for science. Hands-on challenges like this one help students connect classroom learning to the real-world principles behind physics and chemistry — leaving them with a lasting impression of what science can do.