soda pop in a balloon experiment

Pop Rocks Expander (Candy Science)

Mixing pop rocks and soda let's you discover the secret behind the famous popping candy.

Print this Experiment

Pop Rocks is one of the greatest candy inventions of all time! You dump a few of the tiny pebbles onto your tongue and in an instant, they begin fizzing, popping, and snapping about in your mouth. What’s going on here? Being scientists, we devised a way to figure out the popping secret behind the famous candy. Get ready to expand your mind (as well as a few balloons).

Experiment Videos

Here's What You'll Need

Pop rocks (multiple flavors), 12-16 oz bottles of soda (a variety), let's try it.

The easiest way to get an entire package of Pop Rocks into a balloon is to use a small kitchen funnel. Place the narrow end of the funnel into the mouth of the balloon.

Empty the Pop Rocks packet into the funnel. Make sure the funnel is empty by giving it a few firm taps. You should be able to see into the balloon.

Place the opening of the balloon over the mouth of a bottle of soda. The balloon should hang down beside the bottle. Stretch the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle but make sure the valuable candy content doesn’t get dumped into the soda. You don’t want to drop the candy before you’re ready.

Grab the balloon at it lowest point, lift it up, and dump the Pop Rocks into the soda. Be sure to observe what’s happening inside the bottle as the liquid reacts to the candies. The balloon will be inflating even if the change is very slight.

How Does It Work

The secret behind the famous “popping” of Pop Rocks candy is pressurized carbon dioxide gas (CO 2 ). Each of the tiny little candy pebbles contains a small amount of the gas. When they burst free from their candy shells, these tiny gas bubbles make the popping sound you hear . Need more proof? Try finding a relatively large Pop Rock in a bag and use a spoon to crush it against a hard surface. Once you achieve enough pressure, you’re likely to hear a “pop” similar to the sound you hear when you have a Pop Rock on your tongue.

So what causes the balloon to inflate? The carbon dioxide gas held in the candy isn’t nearly enough to cause even the small amount of inflation you observed. That’s where the CO 2 in the soda comes into play. The soda, a carbonated liquid to begin with, contains lots of pressurized CO 2 . When the Pop Rocks are dropped into the soda, some of the gas in the soda collects in gazillions of bubbles on microscopic nucleation sites (imperfections, dents, bumps) on the candy. Some of the gas escapes from the water and corn syrup that hold it and moves upward. It fills the space at the top of the bottle and then moves up into the balloon as the volume of CO 2  increases.

Science Fair Connection

Want to make the Pop Rocks Expander into a science fair project? That’s a fantastic idea! There are a number of different variables that you can choose to get that blue ribbon. Remember though, whatever variable you choose, you need to keep everything else the same.

• Test whether the temperature of the soda makes a difference in the amount of carbon dioxide released.
• Use different types (or brands) of soda to see which one releases the most carbon dioxide gas.
• Test different Pop Rocks flavors to see if the flavorings used change the amount of carbon dioxide released into the balloon.

Those are just a few of the possible variables you could use. You’re super creative… come up with your own!

How are Pop Rocks made?

According to information from the manufacturer, Pop Rocks Inc, the candy starts out like any other hard candy by combining sugar, lactose (milk sugar), corn syrup, and flavoring. These ingredients are heated to the boiling point and the hot sugar mixture is mixed with carbon dioxide gas under high pressure (about 600 pounds per square inch or “PSI”). The process causes tiny, high pressure bubbles of carbon dioxide gas to form in the candy.

When the hot candy mixture cools and the pressure of the gas is released, the hard candy shatters into tiny pieces of “carbonated” candy. If you look carefully at the candy with a magnifying glass, you’ll see the tiny bubbles – each containing a small amount of carbon dioxide gas under high pressure (600 PSI). When the candy melts in your mouth, the 600 PSI bubbles of gas are released with a loud popping sound. Very cool!

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Pop Rocks and Soda Experiment

Pop rocks candy are an awesome experience! A fun candy to eat, and now you can turn it into an easy Pop Rocks science experiment too! What happens when you mix soda with pop rocks? Can pop rocks and soda really make you explode? Take the Pop Rocks and soda challenge with this cool chemistry experiment .

Pop Rocks and Soda

Our Pop Rocks and soda experiment is a fun variation on our baking soda and vinegar reaction . Blow up a balloon using just two basic ingredients, soda and Pop Rocks.

We love fizzing experiments and have been exploring chemistry for kindergarten, preschool, and early elementary for almost 8 years. Make sure to check out our collection of easy science experiments for kids.

Grab a packet of Pop Rocks and some soda and find out what happens when you mix them together!

• 3 bags Pop Rocks Candy Variety Pack 
• 3 (16.9 to 20-ounce bottles) soda in different varieties

Instructions:

STEP 1. Stretch the balloon with your hands, making an effort to expand the neck of the balloon.

TIP: Avoid blowing into the balloon as the moisture from your mouth will make the candy stick to the inside of the balloon later on.

STEP 2.  Place the mouth of the balloon over the small opening of a funnel. Then pour one package of Pop Rocks into the funnel and tap the funnel to force the Pop Rocks down into the balloon.

TIP: If the candy refuses to move through the funnel, try pushing the candy with a bamboo skewer without putting a hole in the balloon.

STEP 3. Open the soda and place the opening of the balloon over the top, taking care to have the mouth of the balloon completely over the top of the bottle without dropping the candy into the balloon.

STEP 4. Tip the balloon up and shake slightly (if needed) to transfer the candy into the soda. Watch what happens to the soda and the balloon!

TIP: Make sure to use a level surface so the bottles do not fall over.

Usually, gas will begin to form immediately. Expect the soda to get fizzy, the candy to crackle, and the balloons to fill with air and foam.

If a balloon fails to expand, examine the experiment to see what happened. Typically this will happen if the balloon is not completely covering the top of the soda bottle.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

What happens when you mix pop rocks and soda?

Why do Pop Rocks pop in your mouth? As pop rock dissolves, it releases a very small amount of pressurized gas called carbon dioxide, which makes a popping noise!

You can read more about the patented process of Pop Rocks . However, by themselves, there is not enough gas in the candy to inflate a balloon. That’s where the soda helps!

Soda is a carbonated liquid containing lots of pressurized carbon dioxide gas. When the Pop Rocks are dropped into the soda, some of the gas in the soda collects as bubbles on the candy.

Some of this gas then escapes from the water and the corn syrup that holds it, and moves upwards. The gas fills the space at the top of the bottle and then moves up into the balloon. The balloon inflates as the volume of carbon dioxide gas increases.

This is a great example of a physical change , even though it can look like a chemical reaction has taken place.

💡Other experiments that work similarly are coke and Mentos and our dancing corn experiment!

So what happens when you eat and drink Pop Rocks and soda simultaneously? Pop Rocks and soda myth! It won’t make you explode but it might make you release some gas!

Use the scientific method with kids

The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is put to test with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity.

Sounds heavy… What in the world does that mean?!?

The scientific method can simply be used as a guide to help lead the process of discovery. You don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.

As kids develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation.

To learn more about the scientific method and how to use it, CLICK HERE .

Even though the scientific method feels like it is just for big kids this method can be used with kids of all ages! Have a casual conversation with younger kiddos or do a more formal notebook entry with older kiddos!

Use our free printable science worksheets below to make the process even easier!

Bonus Pop Rocks Experiments

Here are several ways you can apply the scientific method by changing the independent variable and measuring the dependent variable.

• Use one variety of soda and test different varieties of Pop Rocks to see if each has a similar reaction. Measure the balloons using a tape measure to decide which variety created the most gas.
• Using the same variety of Pop Rocks and test different varieties of soda to see which emits the most gas. (We found Diet Coke tends to win! See our Diet Coke and Mentos Experiment )

Make sure to save some Pop Rocks for another fun experiment exploring viscosity. Test whether Pop Rocks are louder when placed in liquids of different viscosity or thickness. Click here for our viscosity Pop Rocks Experiment !

More Fun Science Experiments

• Diet Coke and Mentos Eruption
• Skittles Experiment
• Drops of Water On A Penny
• Egg In Vinegar Experiment
• Elephant Toothpaste

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Fizz, Pop, Inflate: The magical balloon experiment with a chemical reaction

Chemical reactions happen all around us, sometimes without even knowing it. From baking a loaf of bread in the kitchen to rust forming on a metal surface outside, chemical reactions are happening everywhere. This experiment is a stepping stone to open your child’s eyes to chemical reactions!

This hands-on activity helps children grasp the concept that mixing different substances can create entirely new ones with unique properties. As they see the balloon inflate, they learn about the interaction between an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda), resulting in the production of carbon dioxide gas.

So take a deep breath of oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide (a chemical reaction!), because it’s time to start the experiment!

How to make the Fizz, Pop, Inflate Balloon science experiment

Supplies you will need.

For this experiment, you will need the following:

• Soda bottle

Before you start

Since we’re dealing with a chemical reaction, please watch your child when doing this experiment. You could even use safety goggles if you have them on hand.

Instructions

Here is how to do this experiment with your child:

Step 1: Pour baking soda into balloon

Take your balloon and, if needed, use a funnel to pour about one or two tablespoons of baking soda into it.

Step 2: Add vinegar to soda bottle

Next, pour about half a cup of vinegar into the plastic bottle. I used a funnel again (made sure to clean out the baking soda first!) and poured it into the soda bottle.

Step 3: Stretch balloon neck over the soda bottle

Stretch the opening of the balloon over the neck of the plastic bottle, making sure it’s secure.

As long as the balloon stays off to the side of the bottle (like in my picture below), the reaction shouldn’t begin yet.

Step 4: Watch the balloon inflate!

Here comes the exciting part! Lift the balloon so that the baking soda falls from the balloon into the vinegar in the bottle. It happens quickly, so be prepared!

As soon as the baking soda mixes with the vinegar, you’ll see a bubbling reaction occur. This is because the vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base) react together to produce carbon dioxide gas. The gas fills up the balloon, causing it to inflate.

The science behind the Fizz, Pop, Inflate Balloon experiment

This experiment teaches:

Chemical reactions

Measurement skills, critical thinking, how it works.

In the Fizz, Pop, Inflate experiment, we are mixing a base (baking soda) and an acid (vinegar) to create a chemical reaction.

The balloon is holding the baking soda and the plastic bottle holds the vinegar. When we place the balloon on the neck of the bottle and allow the baking soda to fall into the bottle, the chemical reaction between the acid and base begins.

When baking soda and vinegar mix, it creates carbon dioxide, which is what causes our balloon to inflate.

This experiment demonstrates a basic chemical reaction between an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda) to produce carbon dioxide gas. It helps kids understand that mixing different substances can lead to entirely new substances with different properties.

By measuring and pouring specific amounts of baking soda and vinegar, kids can practice basic measurement skills, such as using tablespoons and cups.

Here’s another measuring activity that dives into the very basics of measuring.

As we watch the balloon inflate, we can think critically about why it’s happening.

Prompt your child with questions like, “What do you think is causing the balloon to get bigger?” and “Why does this happen when baking soda and vinegar mix?”.

More chemical reaction experiments to try out with your child

• Fizzing Lemons: What happens when you mix baking soda and lemons?
• Race a Chemical Reaction Car!
• Make a Homemade Lava Lamp to Explore Chemistry

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Soda Balloon Science Experiment an Easy and Exciting Activity for Kids

You can’t go wrong with balloons, soday candy, and hands on learning! Kids will love watching science reactions right before their eyes as they blow…

You can’t go wrong with balloons, soday candy, and hands on learning! Kids will love watching science reactions right before their eyes as they blow up balloons!

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Today’s science experiment is super simple and will capture your kid’s attention like it did mine (you can see it on their faces in the pictures below). This activity is awesome because it involves candy, balloons, and soda- the perfect kid pleasing combination ! It almost sounds like the recipe for a party!

Check out all our Science Activities Here .

You will love making Hopping Corn and Growing Rainbow and while you have the candy out check out Learning with Candy activities.

This activity was inspired by  Steve Spangler’s Pop Rocks Expander science activity .

Thanks for joining us, let’s get started 🙂

Soda Balloon Science Experiment

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• Soda in plastic bottles (a variety is fun and diet soda works the best)
• Clips or Clothespins (optional)
• Small Cups (optional)
• Permanent Marker (optional)

Tip: You may want to buy extra Pop Rocks for your kids, my kids needed to eat some candy while doing the activity.

Directions ::

Use the funnel to dump 1 package of pop rocks inside each balloon. I used a clip to help keep the pop rocks in the bottom of the balloon. You don’t want the Pop Rocks to reach the soda until you are ready for the experiment.

Optional: Draw a face on the balloon with a permanent marker.

Open the soda and carefully place the mouth of the balloon over the top. Here is where you build up the excitement and get the kids guessing about what they think is going to happen. Here are some of the questions I asked:

• What do you think is going to happen to the soda?
• What do you think is going to happen to the balloon?

 When you are ready for the exciting part, remove the chip clip and dump the Pop Rocks into the soda.

The soda should fizz, and the balloons should fill up with air. To speed the process up a bit, grab the neck of the soda bottle to secure the balloon, and shake the bottle. You may need to hold onto the balloon to make sure it doesn’t fall off. The kids loved this part! The soda fizzed and filled up the balloon with soda foam, while the balloon inflated.

This is how I explained the activity to the kids (remember my oldest is a preschooler, so we kept it simple):

• The Pop Rocks and the soda make little bubbles, and when they pop, the air inside the bubbles fills the balloon.
• If you want to get more technical, this is how Steve Spangler explains Pop Rock science .

Then I followed up with some questions:

• Did all the balloons become the same size?
• Which balloon is the largest and the smallest?
• What is inside the balloon?
• Where did the Pop Rocks go?

After the activity, the kids decided they wanted to taste test our activity.  They started pouring, mixing, and drinking our science experiment, which is great for life skills practice . I pulled out some small cups, and let the kids go at it.

I was so glad we did this activity outside because we had soda everywhere by the time we were finished. I grabbed the hose and sprayed everything and everyone clean. I think some of our best activities end this way! 🙂

10 comments

• Pingback: Rockin' Balloon Activities for Learning and Play » My Mundane and Miraculous Life

This is a great idea for hands on science!

Thank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop this week. We hope to see you drop by our neck of the woods next week!

We love Steve Spangler! I want to be him when I grow up! Great science activity, thanks for linking up @ Saturday Science

We love Steve Spangler! His books, experiments and science explanations are awesome!

Thank you so much for linking this post up to The Sunday Showcase! Wow! What fun!

Hi Deirdre, Thanks for stopping by and commenting, I am sure you are super busy! You are the sweetest!

Okay, can you just adopt me? Your science activities look so fun! Thanks for linking up at Family Fun Friday!

Hi Selena, LOL sure come on over it will be fun!!! 🙂

I love the Steve Spangler books! Have you read any of them? This looks like so much fun! Will have to find out if we can get Pop Rocks here in Australia.

Hi Nichole, I haven't read his books but I really should! My mom talks about all the amazing things she saw him do at teacher seminars. I am pretty sure seeing him in person would fulfill a life long dream lol 🙂

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Science Experiments

Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment

Can you blow up a balloon without using your mouth? In this simple science experiment, we’re going to show you how to do it with only a few everyday items you probably already have in your home. It makes a great experiment for young children because the set-up is simple and it only takes a few minutes to get to the exciting finale.

In addition to a video demonstration and detailed printable instructions, we also have the scientific explanation of how this simple chemical reaction works making it perfect for older scientists too.

JUMP TO SECTION: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works

Supplies Needed

• Small Soda Bottle
• Baking Soda

Balloon Blow-up Science Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy Balloon Blow-up Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

Balloon Blow Up Science Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Start with some questions: How do you blow up a balloon? What if I told you that you couldn’t blow air into it, do you think you could still inflate (blow-up) the balloon? Then observe the supplies for the experiments. Do you think they can be use to blow up the balloon? If so how? Write down your hypothesis (prediction).

Step 2 – Using a funnel, pour about a third of a cup of vinegar into the bottle. We used Apple Cider Vinegar, but any type of vinegar will work.

Step 3 – Then insert another funnel into the mouth of the balloon. We recommend using two different funnels. One funnel for filling the bottle with vinegar and one for the balloon. However, you can do the experiment with only one funnel. Just make sure you completely wash and dry the funnel after you add the vinegar and before you put it into the balloon. This is very important.

Step 4 – Place two teaspoons of baking soda into the funnel so it falls into the balloon. When the balloon is filled with the baking soda, carefully remove it from the funnel. 

Step 5 – Next, secure the mouth of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle. Take your time doing this and don’t let any of the baking soda fall out of the balloon and into the bottom of the bottle. Take a moment to make some observations. What will happen if we lift up the balloon? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then test to see if you were right!

Step 6 – While holding the bottle, lift the end of the balloon and allow the baking soda to drop into the bottle. 

Step 7 – What happens to the balloon? Was your hypothesis correct? Wondering what caused the balloon to inflate? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

How Does the Science Experiment Work?

When baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) are mixed together they create a chemical reaction that results in the formation of carbon dioxide gas. Gases do not have a specific shape or volume, rather they expand rapidly filling their container. Gases expand rapidly because their particles move at high speeds in all directions. As the carbon dioxide gas fills the bottle, it has nowhere else to go so it begins to fill the balloon. As the carbon dioxide gas fills the balloon, the balloon inflates. The more gas that is created, the larger the balloon will inflate.

The baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction will continue to inflate the balloon as long as there is still baking soda and vinegar to react. Once the reaction between baking soda and vinegar has stopped, the balloon will slowly begin to deflate.

An acid is a substance that tastes bitter, reacts with metals and carbonates, and turns blue litmus paper red. A base is a substance that tastes bitter, feels slippery, and turns red litmus paper blue.

Other Ideas to Try

Does changing the amount of baking soda and vinegar change the size of the balloon when it inflates? What would happen if you used another acid like lemon juice instead of the vinegar? Would it react the same with the baking soda?

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Instructions

• Using a funnel, pour about a third of a cup of vinegar into the bottle. Tip: I used Apple Cider Vinegar, but any kind of vinegar will work.
• Then insert another funnel into the mouth of the balloon. Tip: It is best to have two funnels, one for filling the bottle with vinegar and one for the balloon. If you only have one funnel, it is important that you completely wash and dry the funnel after you add the vinegar and before you put it into the balloon.
• Place two teaspoons of baking soda into the funnel so it falls into the balloon. Then remove the balloon from the funnel.
• Next, secure the the mouth of the balloon over the top of the bottle. Tip: Don’t let any of the baking soda drop into the bottle…yet!
• While holding the bottle, lift the end of the balloon allowing the baking soda to drop into the bottle.
• Watch in amazement as the balloon magically inflates!

Reader Interactions

November 2, 2017 at 11:00 am

Yeah but don’t just eyeball the measurements of things because if you use to much baking soda it will make the baloon spring a leak and all sorts of stuff will fly out and make a big mess.

I speak form experience

Seriously, don’t do this

April 21, 2018 at 10:26 am

I did this experiment and it is perfect!

You need to hold properly the bottle when you mix the baking soda into vinegar.

May 22, 2019 at 8:57 am

We’re doing science experiments at school and this one is brilliant! I loved it a lot.

June 22, 2020 at 11:15 am

I love this experiment! My balloon grew 6 inches!

June 19, 2023 at 11:17 pm

I tried and it worked well – Exited to do such experiment

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Fun with Mama

Toddler and preschool activities

Written by Brenda • Aug 25, 2022 • Leave a Comment

Pop Rocks and Soda Experiment

Simple science experiments are tons of fun to do with kids at home or in the classroom. This pop rocks and soda experiment is a fun twist on the classic baking soda volcano experiment. With the power of chemical reactions, children can inflate a balloon using pop rocks!

Speaking of fun science activities, be sure to check out my Exploding Ziploc Bag Science Experiment for Kids as well! Show the kids that science is tons of fun!

The really great thing about making this pop rocks and coke experiment are that the kids will be intrigued and part of the process. It’s no secret that fizzing experiments are some of the best!

If you’re wondering what truly happens when pop rocks are mixed with soda, this science pop rocks experiment will show you!

Supplies need for this pop rocks and soda experiment

You only need a few things to do this experiment! You will need:

• Diet soda in a plastic bottle
• Regular soda in a plastic bottle

How does the pop rocks and soda experiment work?

Poprocks are a hard candy made of sugar and flavoring. The candies are filled with a small amount of carbon dioxide. When the sugary shell melts, the candies “pop” and release the carbon dioxide gas into the air.

When the pop rocks are dropped into the soda, the soda melts the candies and the carbon dioxide is released. Since soda also contains carbon dioxide, the candy pulls some of the carbon dioxide from the soda into the air, which inflates the balloon.

How much the balloon expands is based on how many pop rocks are added to the balloon, how fresh the soda is, and what type of soda it is.

We found that diet soda created a bigger reaction than regular soda but this is where the kids can create a hypothesis and try different flavors of soda.

How to do the pop rocks and soda experiment

First, open the neck of a balloon as wide as you can with your fingers. Take care not to break the balloon while doing this or you’ll have to throw out the balloon and get a new one.

The balloon must make an airtight seal around the neck of the bottle to work. Because of this, have a few more balloons on hand than you think you will need.

Pour two bags of pop rocks into the balloon. Repeat with a second balloon.

Open the two soda bottles.

While holding the pop rocks inside of the bigger part of the balloon, carefully slide the neck of the balloon over the top of the bottle.

Again, if the balloon rips, you’ll have to start over with a new balloon.

Tip the pop rocks from inside the balloon into the soda. Try to do this at the same time with regular soda and diet soda.

Watch as the balloon expands.

For an even bigger reaction, shake the soda gently to release more carbon dioxide into the balloon.

Follow Up Pop Rocks Experiment Questions for the Kids

• Did the diet soda or regular soda create a bigger reaction (by blowing the balloon up to more)?
• Do you think that changing the type of soda used changed the outcome?

As you can see, STEM experiments and science activities for kids like this one are a great way to help them learn and have fun at the same time.

More Fun Science Activities for Kids

• How To Grow Beans In A Bag – Bean in a Bag Science Experiment for Kids
• Fizzy Egg Dyeing Science Experiment – The Best Way To Dye Easter Eggs
• Homemade Thermometer Science Experiment – Making a DIY STEM Thermometer

Brenda MacArthur is a STEM curriculum writer, STEM author, and STEM accessibility advocate. She founded the site STEAMsational.com in 2012 which offers hands-on STEM activities for kids and STEM lesson plans for teachers.

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Cool Pop Rocks Experiment

Are you looking for an awesome science experiment that the kids can easily do from home? This Cool Pop Rocks Experiment is one that they’ll never forget! And the best part? You literally just need 4 simple supplies to get started on this fun STEM activity.

If you like this experiment, your kids should try these  Summer STEM Activities , too.

While your kids may love the taste of pop rocks and soda, do they have any idea of how they react when combined together? Get ready for them to be amazed because this simple experiment is about to teach them a lesson in chemistry!

Not only that, but this simple experiment gives your kids the chance to create their own DIY homeschool experiment where they can literally take over and do it completely on their own. Just be standing by for parental guidance and supervision but they’ll love being able to run the show and handle this fun activity.

Have them write down their hypothesis on what they think is going to happen and then step back and see if they’re right! This is one activity that literally never gets old, no matter how many times it’s done.

You should also try our Cool Magic Milk Experiment ! It’s a fun stem activity to teach kids about chemistry.

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.

See a list of my favorite Amazon Deals for your home and homeschool.

Recommended Science Experiment Books

Need more exciting science experiments to try? Grab one of these cool books to use household items to build and create and get messy.

What happens when you put pop rocks in water?

When you add pop rocks to water, it’s going to have much of the same reaction as when you put the pop rocks in your mouth. They’ll do their normal “popping” but won’t have much reaction besides that.

Make certain to have the kids test that theory out BEFORE adding the pop rocks to the soda.

What happens when you mix coke and pop rocks?

When you take and add the pop rocks to soda, there is a sort of chemical reaction that is going to incur. It greats a gaseous vapor that is going to have to be released. This can either come up and out of the top of the soda bottle, or you can try and capture that gas by adding a deflated balloon on top and watching it inflate.

The full steps for this simple experiment are listed below but take a look at these pictures first so that you can see what you and your child should expect.

Before you get started, make certain that you find a level piece of ground to set your soda bottles on! You don’t want them tipping over during the process.

Start by putting the pop rocks in the balloon using a funnel. This can take a bit of practice so be patient when doing this step.

Once that is done, carefully attach the balloons to the top of the soda bottle, but be careful not to spill in any Pop Rocks quite yet!

Once you have the balloon secured on top, dump in the Pop Rocks and watch the reaction start to happen!

As the gases get released, the balloons will start to inflate! Just how big will the balloons get? That’s all part of the fun!

And as you can see from this supply picture below, these are all that you’ll need for this simple Cool Pop Rocks Experiment.

How to do the Pop Rocks and soda experiment

The fun part about this experiment is that you can vary up the way that you do it.

Try using a variety of different sodas and seeing if the Pop Rocks react differently with the sodas or if they stay the same. And have the kids write down their thoughts and also the different sizes of the balloons if they vary. (Diet soda tends to win!)

Use a variety of different flavored Pop Rocks and see if different flavors react differently in the soda.

If you find that the experiment fails, troubleshoot and use critical thinking skills to find out why. Typically the failure is caused by the balloon not covered the top of the soda bottle completely – but don’t tell the kids that right away. See if they can find a solution first!

Ready to get the steps for this simple experiment at home? Just gather up the supplies in the directions below and that’s pretty much the majority of the prep work that you’re going to have to do.

Fun and Simple Pop Rocks Experiment

This Cool Pop Rocks Experiment is so much fun to do with the kids!

• 3 varied bags Pop Rocks Candy - all different flavors
• 3 types of soda

Instructions

Start by slowly stretching the balloons so that they'll fit on the soda opening. Don't put your mouth on the balloon beforehand as this will inhibit the experiment.

Once that is done, put the balloon over the funnel opening and pour in a pack of the Pop Rocks. (tap gently to get it to go down into the balloon or use a skewer to gently push them down)

Take the tops off the soda and put the balloon over the top. Make certain that the tip of the balloon covers the opening completely. (and be careful to not let any candy drop in quite yet)

Once secured on the soda bottle, tip up the balloon and gently shake the Pop Rocks down into the soda. The gas will start to form right away and the soda will begin to fix. You'll hear the candy start to crack and the balloons should start to fill up with air!

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Science Projects for Kids: States of Matter

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Trying to comprehend the science of matter may seem complicated, but Science Projects for Kids: States of Matter makes understanding it easy and interesting. Explore transitions between solid and liquid by making ice pops and rock candy.

See what happens to soda pop gas in a balloon, and make a cloud in a bottle. Learn about the concept of surface tension by blowing soap bubbles, stretching the surface of water, and cutting and connecting water drops.

You'll be surprised at how much you can learn about states of matter with these simple experiments. Gather a few materials from around the house, round up the kids, and have some science fun.

Follow the links below to get started with science projects for kids that explain the states of matter:

Solid to Liquid to Solid

One of the easiest ways to understand how states of matter change is to make yummy ice pops.

Sugar Crystals on a String

Enjoy the sweet rewards of this evaporation test.

Homemade Water Purifier

Create a very simple water purification system.

Soda Pop in a Balloon

Before drinking that soda, see what happens when the gas leaves the bottle.

Cloud in a Bottle

Create your very own piece of the sky with this project.

Soap Bubble Shapes

Have fun blowing bubbles while learning about surface tension.

Water Surface Stretch

See how far you can stretch the surface of water.

Cut and Connect Water Drops

Try your luck at splicing and reconnecting water.

Go to the next page to explore changes in states of matter -- and make something good to eat.

For more fun science projects for kids, check out:

• Science Projects for Kids: The Incredible Universe
• Science Projects for Kids: Density and Volume
• Science Projects for Kids: Current Electricity

Stretch the Surface of Water

Watch the transition from solid to liquid to solid in this science project for kids on states of matter -- and make something good to eat. Solids can change into liquids, and liquids can change into solids. Make ice pops with orange juice, and you can see both transformations.

What You'll Need:

• Can of frozen orange juice
• Large spoon
• Wooden craft sticks

Step 1: Open a can of frozen orange juice, and spoon it into a large pitcher. Touch the frozen juice to feel that it is both solid and cold.

Step 2: Add water according to the package directions to make orange juice.

Step 3: Fill several paper cups about 2/3 of the way with orange juice.

Step 4: Put a craft stick into the liquid in each paper cup.

Step 5: Being careful not to spill, put the cups of juice into the freezer.

Step 6: Check them after two hours. Can you gently pull out the craft stick, or has the liquid orange juice frozen solid around the stick?

Step 7: Once the orange juice has frozen, peel off the paper cups. You and your friends can enjoy a frozen treat!

See the next page to learn how to conduct a science experiment that always has sweet results.

Sugar crystals on a string can be fun to watch grow and delicious to eat. When liquids evaporate into gases, they can leave material behind. That material can be very tasty, as shown by this science project for kids on states of matter. But note that this project requires adult supervision!

• Measuring spoon

Step 1: Bring a small pan of water to a boil on the stove, and turn off the heat.

Step 2: Add one tablespoon of sugar, and stir until it dissolves.

Step 3: Continue adding sugar, one tablespoon at a time, letting each tablespoonful dissolve completely before adding the next. When no more sugar will dissolve in the water, allow the saturated solution to cool.

Step 4: Tie a string to the middle of a pencil, and set the pencil across the rim of a glass. Cut the string so that it just touches the bottom of the glass. Tie a button onto the bottom of the string.

Step 5: Pour the cooled sugar water into the glass. Rest the pencil across the rim of the glass so that the string and button are in the solution.

Step 6: Allow the glass to sit in a warm place without being disturbed for several days so that the water evaporates. As the water evaporates, it will leave sugar crystals on the string. You've just made rock candy.

Go to the next page to learn how you can make a simple water purification system.

Try this homemade water purifier to see how suspended matter can be filtered from water. You may be surprised by how this science project for kids on states of matter works.

• Eight-inch-tall cardboard box

Step 1: Set an eight-inch-tall cardboard box on a table. Set a bowl of clean water on top of the box.

Step 2: Gently drop a small handful of dirt into the water. Much of the dirt will remain suspended in the water, and the water in the bowl will be discolored.

Step 3: Set an empty bowl on the table right next to the cardboard box.

Step 4: Twist together several one-foot strands of wool yarn to make a rope.

Step 5: Put one end of this rope, or wick, into the bottom of the bowl of dirty water. Place the other end of the wick in the empty bowl. After a while, drops of clear water will drip off of the free end of the wick into the empty bowl.

What Happened?

The material in your rope absorbs water and draws it from the bowl. It leaves the dirt behind, however, so the water that drips into the second bowl is clean.

What happens when the gas in soda pop escapes into a balloon? See the next page to find out.

Gases can dissolve in a liquid, as this example of soda pop in a balloon shows. But they won't stay there if you release the pressure that holds them. Try this science project for kids on states of matter, and see what happens.

• Bottle of soda pop

Step 1: Open a bottle of soda pop, and set it on a table.

Step 2: Immediately slip the end of a balloon over the neck of the bottle. Pull the balloon's end well down over the bottle so that it fits tightly.

Step 3: Check on the balloon about every 10 minutes for any changes.

Soda pop is carbonated. This means that carbon dioxide gas has been dissolved in the liquid under high pressure.

Opening the bottle releases the pressure, and the carbon dioxide gas begins to escape from the liquid. The balloon trapped the carbon dioxide gas as it left the bottle, and then the gas inflated the balloon.

Tired of the weather outside? Go to the next page, and learn how you can make a little weather of your own.

Make a little weather of your own with a cloud in a bottle. Clouds form when warm, particle-rich air meets cool, moist air. This science project for kids on states of matter can help you understand just how the process works.

• Clear glass two-liter bottle

Step 1: On a cool day with little or no wind, head for your backyard and find a table.

Step 2: Have a child light a candle, with help from an adult.

Step 3: Turn the two-liter glass bottle upside down, and hold the candle inside the mouth of the jar for about 10 seconds. Don't use a plastic jar. The mouth of a plastic jug could melt.

Step 4: Once the bottle's mouth has cooled a little, form a seal around the bottle with your mouth and blow. Once you pull your mouth away, you should see a cloud form inside the bottle -- just like in the skies above your home.

Learn about surface tension on the next page, and have fun blowing bubbles of different shapes and sizes.

Who knew something as fun and as simple as blowing soap bubble shapes could also be an easy science project for kids on states of matter? See what shapes and sizes of bubbles your kids can blow while they learn about surface tension.

• Dish-washing liquid
• Measuring cup and spoon
• Large container
• Pipe cleaners
• Plastic soda pop ring
• Wooden sticks

Step 1: Add 1/2 cup of dish-washing liquid and two teaspoons of glycerin to 1/2 gallon of water in a large container.

Step 2: Mix the materials together, and let them sit overnight.

Step 3: The next day, pour the mixture into a plastic dishpan outdoors.

Step 4: Shape pipe cleaners into circles of different sizes.

Step 5: Cut a circle of plastic from a soda pop ring, and staple it to a wooden stick.

Step 6: Dip these devices into the bubble solution, and gently blow through the circles to make bubbles. Circles of different sizes will make bubbles of different sizes.

Can you stretch the surface of water? Go to the next page for instructions, and give it a try!

It may be hard to believe, but you can stretch the surface of water. See just how far you can stretch it in this science project for kids on states of matter.

• Small plastic cup

Step 1: Fill a small plastic cup all the way to the top with water.

Step 2: Hold an eyedropper filled with water close to the surface of the water in the plastic cup, and gently release the water drop by drop.

How many drops can you add to the plastic cup after it is "full"? Can you see that the water level actually rises above the top of the cup? Water molecules attract one another strongly so that the water holds together.

Water drops are more elastic than you think. Go to the next page to find out how you can splice and reconnect them.

Try to cut and connect water drops in this science project for kids on states of matter. You can split a water drop into smaller drops, and you can put small water drops together. Give it a try, and you'll learn more about the surface tension of liquids.

• Waxed paper
• Drinking straw

Step 1: Put a drop of food color into a glass of water; stir until all of the water is evenly colored.

Step 2: Using an eyedropper, gently put several drops of the colored water onto a sheet of waxed paper. Look at the circular shape of the drops.

Step 3: With a toothpick, try to cut a water drop in half. Can you do it?

Step 4: With a drinking straw, blow gently to try to put two water drops together. Can you do it?

The surface tension of water pulls the water molecules in a drop toward each other. The molecules in the outer layer are drawn in toward the center of the drop, giving the drop its round shape. The surface tension that holds the water in that shape affected how the water acted when you exerted force on it with the toothpick and the straw.

ABOUT THE DESIGNERS

Cloud in a Bottle by Maria Birmingham, Karen E. Bledsoe, and Kelly Milner Halls

States of Matter FAQ

What are the different states of matter, what is an easy state of matter experiment for fifth grade students, what phase change takes the most energy.

Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article:

Blow-up balloon

If a chemical reaction produces a gas, you might not notice it, unless the gas has a colour or a smell. This activity will show how you can capture the gas produced in a chemical reaction in a visually exciting way.

Printable downloads

Follow these steps….

Think and talk about…

• What can you see happening in the bottle?
• What is making the balloon inflate?
• Is it blowing up faster or slower than when you use your mouth??

Investigate…

• What happens if you use more baking soda? Or more vinegar?
• Time how long it takes to inflate and then repeat the experiment. Were the times similar?
• Try using a different size balloon and see what effect it has.
• What happens if you use a bigger or smaller bottle?

Did you know?

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Natural sources include volcanoes, decomposing vegetation and respiration from living organisms. Human sources include the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

What’s the science?

Because the balloon forms a seal around the bottle, the gas produced cannot escape, so it fills up the balloon.

Science in your world

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Oobleck: solid or liquid?

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Instant Ice Cream

Explore states of matter in the tastiest way – by turning milk into ice cream instantly!

Soda and Candy Balloon Science Experiment

By: Author Sara McClure

Posted on Published: March 20, 2019  - Last updated: April 17, 2019

Categories Homeschool , Kids Activities , Science , Uncategorized

Sharing is caring!

Did you know you can blow up a balloon with soda and candy? You totally can! Much like our other balloon science experiments, this Soda and Candy Balloon Science Experiment uses common household materials to make a balloon inflate. It's a pretty easy science experiment for kids if I do say so myself. We've been working our way through  several balloon experiments and have challenged ourselves to figure out as many ways as we can to blow up a balloon without using our mouth and this one worked!

Like all of our science experiments, my kids had so much fun with this one. They were amazed that this had the results that it did. I mean, who would ever think that you could blow up a balloon with soda and candy? 

This soda and candy balloon science experiment works much like the famous Mentos and Diet Coke geyser experiment. The main difference is that the fizz isn't as big and explosive. Plus, the balloon is catching all of the gas and fizz from the reaction. However, I still suggest doing this experiment outside or have a few towels handy just in case you make a mess. We had to hold the balloon where it attaches to the soda bottle to make sure it didn't pop off and get soda everywhere.

How to Blow Up a Balloon with Soda and Candy

• 20 ounce soda (We used Coke)
• Pop Rocks or Nerds candy

Place the funnel inside the balloon opening. Pour some candy into the funnel to fill up the balloon . It doesn't need to be completely full.

Very carefully, without letting any of the candy fall into the soda, stretch the balloon over the opening of the soda bottle.

When you are ready, lift the balloon and let the candy fall into the soda. The candy and the soda will react and blow up the balloon .

To make this easy science experiment for kids even better, try experimenting with different sodas and compare the different reactions. Don't forget to have the kids make predictions and chart their results!

More balloon science experiments you might like: Magic Lightbulb Balloon Experiment Sugar and Yeast Balloon Experiment Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment  Balloon Rocket STEM Activity

Friday 9th of July 2021

Just want to verify before conducting this with my students. So Nerds work just as well as Pop Rocks? Your site is the first one I've seen using NERDs, so I wanted to be sure.

Thank you! Nichole

Sara McClure

They both work! As you can see in the post, we used Nerds because we had a hard time finding Pop Rocks at our store. You can always try it out and see which on you like better or do both and compare with your students.

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How to Blow up a Balloon With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Last Updated: February 2, 2024 Fact Checked

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 50 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 415,476 times. Learn more...

Learn how to inflate a balloon in this fun science experiment using these common kitchen ingredients! Balloons inflated this way are filled with carbon dioxide produced by the two ingredients reacting. They do not contain helium, so they will not float.

Inflating the Balloon

• You can try this with any kind of vinegar, but the inflation might take longer or require more vinegar to work. Other types of vinegar tend to be more expensive as well.
• Vinegar can damage metal containers, potentially adding an unpleasant taste to food and drink stored in that container. If you have no plastic bottles, use a high-quality stainless steel bottle to minimize the chance of this happening. Weakening the vinegar with an equal amount of water might also help, and won't prevent the balloon from inflating. [2] X Research source

• If you don't have a funnel, you can place a plastic straw into a pile of baking soda, put your finger over the top hole of the straw, then poke the straw into the balloon and lift your finger. Tap the straw to get the baking soda to fall out, and repeat until the balloon is at least 1/3 of the way full. [4] X Research source

• Shake the bottle gently to mix the two ingredients if there's not much fizzing.

• Don't go overboard. The bottle should never be more than about 1/3 full of vinegar.

Grasping how the Process Works

• Baking soda is another word for the molecule sodium bicarbonate .
• White vinegar is a mixture of acetic acid and water. Only the acetic acid reacts with the baking soda.

• Although the definition of acid and base can get complicated, you can compare the differences between the original substances and the "neutralized" result to see there are obvious changes. For instance, vinegar has a strong smell and can be used to dissolve grime and dirt. After being mixed with baking soda, it smells much less strongly and is no more effective at cleaning than water is.

• NaHCO 3 + HC 2 H 3 O 2 (aq) → NaC 2 H 3 O 2 (aq) + H 2 O(l) + CO 2 (g)
• The letters in parentheses show the state the chemicals are in during and after the reaction: (g)as, (l)iquid, or (aq)ueous. "Aqueous" means the chemical is dissolved in water.

Community Q&A

• This method can also be used in homemade cardboard or plastic rockets and you can make them go a long way if ingredients are out right. The reason it blows up is because the reaction creates gas, and the pressure builds up. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You can use lime juice instead of vinegar. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• If the balloon is fully inflated and the liquid is still fizzing, the balloon might be about to explode. Decide whether you have time to pull off the balloon, or whether you should just cover your face before it gets spattered! Thanks Helpful 69 Not Helpful 25

Things You'll Need

• Baking Soda
• Bottle with narrow neck
• Funnel (optional)

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.cityofsacramento.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/ParksandRec/4thR/4r-SAH2-BakingSodaVinegarBalloonExp.pdf?la=en
• ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/science_explorer/balloon_blowup.html
• ↑ http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/balloon-gas-chemical-reaction/
• ↑ https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/balloon-gas-chemical-reaction/
• ↑ https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/inflate-a-balloon-with-baking-soda-and-vinegar
• ↑ https://www.cmosc.org/balloon-blow-up-science-experiment/

About This Article

To blow up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar, pour 1–2 inches of white vinegar into a plastic bottle. Next, hold a balloon loosely by the neck, fit a funnel or plastic straw into it, and pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda through it into the balloon. Then, stretch the neck of the balloon over the top of the bottle before lifting the balloon up over the bottle. The baking soda will fall out of the balloon, through the neck of the bottle, and into the vinegar. The 2 ingredients will fizz and react to create carbon dioxide, which will then inflate your balloon! If you want to learn more about the chemical reaction that occurs, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Balloon Blow-Up Science Experiment

• Written by Children's Museum Team
• Posted on Monday April 13, 2020

Blow-Up a Balloon Using Science! Ages 3+

Using items easily found at home, you can blow up a balloon without using your mouth or your own breath! This isn’t magic; it’s science!

This experiment demonstrates how states of matter can change – mixing a solid with a liquid to create gas! The science behind this balloon baking soda experiment is the chemical reaction between the base – baking soda – and the acid – vinegar. When the two ingredients mix together the balloon baking soda experiment gets its lift! The gas produced from the two ingredients is carbon dioxide or CO2.

Carbon dioxide is the same gas that is produced by the human lungs and is a biproduct of our respiratory system. We breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide.

Vocabulary:

• Extra Credit Word: Exothermic (absorbs heat, so it feels cold)

Balloon Blow-Up Experiment Materials:

• Empty 12-16 oz soda bottle (or any bottle about that size with a small neck)
• Baking Soda
• Small funnel
• Small measuring cup

Balloon Blow-Up Experiment Directions:

• Have your children scoop the baking soda into the balloon using the funnel
• Help your children put the vinegar into the flask using a pipette or small measuring cup
• Next, attach the balloon to the top of the flask; make sure not to pour the baking soda into the vinegar!
• Ask your children what might happen, and why.
• Count to 3 and everyone holds up their balloon so the baking soda falls into the vinegar, creating a chemical reaction and blowing up their balloon.
• Let the kids know what will happen scientifically SCIENCE: When baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, it creates a gas called carbon dioxide. The gas begins to expand in the bottle and starts to inflate the balloon. The more gas that is created, the larger the balloon will inflate.
• Follow up experiment: ask your children if they think blowing a balloon up using their breath is faster or slower than with baking soda and vinegar. Why? Test it out!

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Blow Up a Balloon Using Just Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar 

Blow Up a Balloon Using Just Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar

January 2019

Blow up a balloon using just bicarbonate of soda and vinegar in this simple science experiment

You will need.

● Clear bottle ● Vinegar ● Balloon ● Bicarbonate of soda ● Funnel 

The Experiment

1. Pour 4 tablespoons of vinegar into the bottle. 2. Use the funnel to add 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda into the balloon. 3. Pull the neck of the balloon over the neck of the bottle without releasing any bicarbonate of soda. 4. Lift the balloon so that the bicarbonate of soda falls from the balloon into the bottle and mixes with the vinegar. 5. Watch the balloon inflate on its own.  

The Science 

The bicarbonate of soda and vinegar react together to make an acid-base chemical reaction which produces carbon dioxide gas. Once the carbon dioxide fills the bottle it expands into the balloon, causing it to inflate. 

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Hands On As We Grow®

Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Blowing up a Balloon with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Science Preschoolers Grade School Kindergartners Balloons Experiment 11 Comments

Blowing up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar probably rates in the top 3 experiments I’ve ever done with the kids .

They got a kick out of this over and over, and over! The only thing that stopped them is that I ran out of baking soda (and we popped a few balloons).

By the way, we’ve tested out the best way to get the best reactions from baking soda and vinegar experiments. Check out the results we had!

Of course, any time you use balloons , always, always supervise the kids.

Get the FREE Science Experiments Download

I’ve seen this done before, but it wasn’t until I read it in the  Hands-On Science and Math  book (affiliate link) and I shared 10 Hands-On Science & Math Activities  that I actually did it with the kids. I don’t know why I put it off! Seriously one of the best ever experiments to do with the kids!

Find 30 oh-so-cool experiments for preschoolers!

What you’ll need to blow up a balloon:

• plastic bottle
• baking soda

I took care of the prep work for the most part.  I put a shot or two of vinegar in each plastic bottle. We had a set up for each of the kids.

I used a funnel to add a tablespoon of baking soda in each balloon. Then tightly secured the balloon onto the top of the bottle without letting the baking soda drop in yet, keep the balloon flopped over so it doesn’t spill into the bottle.

Note: Don’t add too much of either vinegar or baking soda, it could cause the balloon to erupt.

Then the experiment is ready to go!

The kids each took over from here. They each held tight to the balloon so that it wouldn’t pop off the bottle.

And then gently shook the baking soda out of the balloon and into the bottle.

And then they watched magic happen!

They were blowing up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar!

Of course, you could get into why that happens. When baking soda and vinegar mix it creates and gives off a gas (Carbon Dioxide) that blows up the balloon. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air though so it will not float in air if you release it. It is not as light as helium.

We repeated the experiment over and over again. We reused the balloons too, but eventually they ripped as I was spilling it over the neck of the bottle, which lost their seal.

About Jamie Reimer

Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram !

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11 comments.

Regina Boyd says

September 29, 2021 at 4:58 pm

Awesome science experiments I know my 3 year olds will love. Thank you.

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October 11, 2013

Balloon experiments with candy, balloon experiments - candy activities for kids.

How to Expand a Balloon Using Soda and Candy

19 comments:

So fun! Your boys must have loved this. Pinning to my Science for Kids board!

I wish I could get soft drink cheap enough to do this, each bottle is $3 here. It looks like a brilliant experiment, and the balloons stop it from being messy.

I bought a 16 oz Coke at the Dollar Store and since I wash and reuse bottles for the science classes I teach or crafts in Sunday School, I had 3 clean Hugs bottles that I poured about 5 oz of soda into. It worked great for us.

Skadi, you can replace the soda with a bit of vinegar in a bottle and fill the balloon with baking soda. Then drop the baking soda from the balloon into the vinegar and watch it grow! Good luck it is super fun!

This looks like so much fun! I am going to pin this to my science board.

I am so going to do this with the little ones at school. Thank you for sharing

Try mentos!

Can somebody please explain why this reaction occurs?

It has to do with pressurized carbon dioxide gas. You can read all about it here. http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/poprocks

So what is the science behind the nerds working better?

this is brilliant! thanks!

This is such a fun activity to do with children!

looks cool :)

Does anyone know why the nerds react?

I love this idea! I featured it on my post today - why and how to make a science journal at home! http://www.smartcookiela.com/blog/2016/2/2/sciencejournal I love easy, fun engaging experiments like this that families can do to bring the joy back to learning experiences! I'll be doing this with my boys this week. :)

Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment. I love reading your feedback. Have a blessed day!

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