{"id":23316,"date":"2018-02-27T12:21:49","date_gmt":"2018-02-27T17:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/?p=23316"},"modified":"2021-05-21T11:44:31","modified_gmt":"2021-05-21T15:44:31","slug":"launch-your-alka-rocket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/launch-your-alka-rocket\/","title":{"rendered":"Launch Your Alka-Rocket to Win $30,000 and to Break the Guinness World Record"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bayer has officially launched the second annual <\/span>Alka-Rocket Challenge<\/span><\/a>, an event where student scientists compete for a chance to win $30,000 and to break the Guinness World Record for the highest launch of an Alka-Rocket. <\/span><\/p>\n

Bayer, the multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company and owner of Alka-Seltzer, has extended its invitation to compete to teams of students from any four-year accredited university in the U.S. Since only Big Ten colleges were permitted in last year\u2019s inaugural challenge, Bayer expects to see a significant increase in participation this year. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a lot of great entries <\/span>last year<\/span><\/a> and wanted to find a way to get more students involved,\u201d said Carolyn Nagle, External Communications Specialist at Bayer. \u201cWe also hope that each major region of the country has participants. We are excited to see what the students will create this year for the competition and a chance to win $30,000.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Each team\u2019s rocket will be powered by dropping up to 100 Alka-Seltzer tablets in a canister of water. This replicates a common science classroom experiment used in the U.S. to demonstrate chemistry and physics, except that while the chambers used in classroom experiments are usually 35mm, the students in the contest can use bigger chambers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The overall goal of the challenge is to increase science literacy and to encourage young women and men to pursue STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), said Nagle. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCompanies like Bayer have a major role to play in preparing the next generation for STEM careers,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is our future workforce, and it\u2019s our responsibility to ensure that we are getting the best and brightest. We hope that this challenge will help achieve this goal and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

The current Guinness World Record holders from the University of Minnesota took home the prize money in last year\u2019s inaugural challenge, held on Nov. 8 at the Space Center Houston, by sending a rocket 430 feet into the air. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo have the University of Minnesota set a new Guinness World Records title of 430 feet with a rocket fueled by 100 effervescent tablets and water is something truly unforgettable,\u201d said Nagle. \u201cIn fact, Minnesota\u2019s rocket soared higher than the Statue of Liberty. This year, we are really excited to see what the teams will create and submit for their chance break this record on Dec. 12.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n