easy chemical change experiments

5 Experiments to Teach Chemical Changes to Elementary Students

Why you should teach chemical changes.

A chemical change occurs when a chemical substance is transformed into one or more other substances. I find that teaching chemical changes is a great way to teach the properties of matter because it provides students an opportunity to visually see a change, rather than just interacting with numbers and formulas. Often the best way to teach science is by bringing complex ideas to life and making it fun!

The following five experiments are my favorite ways to teach chemical changes to elementary students: 

1. Observing the Formation of Gas

This is a very easy experiment to teach a chemical change to young kids. For this experiment, collect an old soda bottle, vinegar, baking soda, a balloon, and a funnel. Have the students put two spoonfuls of baking soda into the balloon and then using the funnel, pour vinegar into the old soda bottle until it is about half full. Stretch the balloon around the top of the bottle carefully to not let the baking soda fall into the bottle. When ready, make the balloon stand up by pouring the baking soda into the bottle.

When baking soda reacts with vinegar, a gas (carbon dioxide) is created. This gas is trapped inside the bottle and balloon, causing the balloon to inflate. Students can observe how this chemical change completely changes the balloon!

2. Observe Color Changes

First, fill three glass jars halfway with water. Separately, collect food coloring of 3 different colors, a cup of bleach, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide (do not mix). Start the experiment by having students put colorings into the water to show a physical change (color change). Next, the teacher puts a spoonful of vinegar in one glass, a spoonful of bleach in another glass, and a spoonful of hydrogen peroxide in the last glass (and don’t forget safety glasses while you do!). Have the students determine in which glass(es) a physical change occurred and in which a chemical change occurred. This will open a discussion on how they knew which mixtures prompted physical or chemical changes, with the students providing real examples from their own observations.

3. Make Orange Fizz

Another super fun (and tasty) way to teach chemical changes is to make orange fizz. All you need are oranges and baking soda. Cut the orange and dip a slice into baking soda and try it!

4. Make Instant Snow

How much fun would it be to make snow in the summer to teach science? For this fun experiment, all you need is shaving cream and baking soda. Mix about 2 cups of each in a bowl and keep adding more to get the consistency that you like. Have fun and see the chemical change right in front of your eyes! Download the free activity sheet for full instructions. 

5. Mentos and Coke

This is the most popular of all chemical change experiments of all! For this experiment, all you need is diet coke and mentos. Open the bottle of diet coke, quickly drop the mentos in, and back away quick. Kids will love watching the geyser that explodes! This always gets a great reaction out of the students and really brings chemical changes to life!

Looking for more chemistry ideas? Check out these engaging chemistry experiments!

About the Author: Jessica Fitzpatrick

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50 Chemistry Projects That Will Amaze Kids!

February 26, 2019 by Ana Dziengel 5 Comments

Chemistry projects feel like magic , do they not? If you think about some of your favorite science projects, the ones you love to try with your kids or the ones that amazed YOU as a kid, more likely than not most of them involved chemistry.

Now I know a lot of us associate chemistry with lab coats, beakers and specialty ingredients but the reality is there are so many chemistry projects you can do using very simple, easy to find ingredients, often found in your own pantry. And since these types of simple chemistry projects use relatively safe ingredients, they are perfect to try with younger kids, ie. preschool and elementary aged children! In fact I think it’s so important for young kids to have a positive association with chemistry from a young age that fosters a love of this branch of science.

When most children are finally exposed to chemistry in school, it is at the high school level where the subject turns complex quickly; hopefully giving kids a chance to have fun at young age mixing up concoctions and watching chemical reactions will help carry their interest through the more complicated days of study ahead.

This post is a GIANT compilation of  chemistry projects that would be great for the science fair, classroom demos, or at home science with your kids.

Before we get started let’s talk a little bit about what chemistry is and for parents I also included a section covering How to Do Chemistry Projects at Home. If you are a classroom teacher you can skip this section and head right to the projects here.

What is chemistry?

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies matter (anything that has mass and takes up space) and its properties, and how different substances (especially molecules and their atoms) interact, combine, and change to form new substances.

Here are some important definitions to know when working on chemistry projects:

• Element A substance that cannot be separated into any further substances. There are 120 known elements.
• Atom The smallest particle of an element
• Molecule Groups of atoms held together by a chemical bond.
• Ion  An atom or molecule that has an electric charge

While most people think of chemistry purely in terms of chemical reactions, chemistry also covers the study of the states of matter as well as the density of substances.

The five branches of chemistry are:

• Analytical chemistry
• Physical chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Biochemistry

Read more about what each branch covers here.

How to Do Chemistry Projects at Home

Many chemistry projects can be done at home using simple materials and are a great way to foster a love of science in kids! I wholeheartedly believe that a wow factor in a project engages and inspires kids to learn more. If you want to try chemistry projects at home here are some suggestions and precautions:

Safety First

Even though most of the projects in this list use safe, easy to find materials they should be used with safety precautions and under adult supervision. Why? Sometimes the chemical reaction that ensues can irritate the skin or eye, can be harmful if swallowed, or is just plain sticky or  messy and adults should be on hand to supervise use . Also be advised that there are a few projects on this list that do use materials that are unsafe for kids to handle. These projects are meant to be demonstrations only and are labeled  accordingly.

• Use household items for chemistry   The classic chemistry project that never fails to impress is the reaction of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (look for a number of variations on this classic in our Acids and Bases section) but there are lots of other great ingredients for chemistry to find in your kitchen including sugar, salt, yeast, lemons, dish soap, milk, Kool- Aid, cabbage, gelatin, and food coloring to name a few…before you order any materials online, try some projects with pantry essentials.
• Safety Goggles
• Large plastic beakers
• Prepare for mess Since a lot of chemistry involves reactions and the ensuing mess, be sure to choose a place in your home that you can easily clean up and where you won’t worry about getting dirty. A patio, breakfast area, or the garage are great choices.
• Generous work area Be sure to have a large table available so everyone has plenty of room to work and/or view projects without bumping into each other.
• Access to Water Clean up is always easier with water at the ready! Choose a location near a hose or shop sink.

Managing Messes

• Hose it down  Depending on the project I suggest doing super messy chemical reactions outside. That way spills can be hosed down easily.
• Painter’s Tarp & Trays  If you cannot go outside a large plastic painter’s tarp is a great way to contain spills and mess. I also highly recommend doing projects on trays or cookie sheets. The raised edges help contain bubbly brews and are easy to dump out and wash.
• Dump station Have a bucket nearby to act as dump station for liquid reactions. Bring it around a table and dump at each station.
• Think about disposal Vinegar kills grass! Slime bits clogs drains! Be sure to consider where you can dump out the liquids safely.

Chemistry Projects for Kids

The following chemistry projects for kids are sorted by topic: Chemical Reactions, Acids and Bases, Carbon Reactions, Chromatography, Colloids & Solutions, Polymers,  and Crystals.

Please note that many if these projects could fit in two or more categories in this post as they demonstrate various scientific and chemical processes. I only classified them once on this list.

Chemistry Projects with Chemical Reactions 

What is a chemical reaction.

Chemical reactions occur when the chemical bonds in a substance are either destroyed or created. In other words the bonds in a molecule are broken during a chemical reaction and the atoms rearranged to create new molecules. Interestingly enough the number of original atoms does not change during the reaction, they are simply reconfigured.

An easy way to explain chemical reactions to kids is to use this analogy: Atoms are like letters, molecules are like words. Chemistry is like taking apart words and rearranging the letters to form a new word.

Read more about chemical reactions here.

Chemical Reactions Projects:

1. milk painting, 2. citrus battery, 3. elephant toothpaste.

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4. Density Lava Lamps

To make a density lava lamp fill a plastic bottle with the following liquids: Clear corn syrup, water with a few drops of food coloring, and  layer of vegetable oil. Be sure to leave a space at the top of the bottle. Wait until the liquids settle then add in a tablet of extra strength alka seltzer. Watch as the alka seltzer and water react and bubble up through the oil layer.   To see this in a  step by step video check out this video (Pssst this is one of our students!!!)

5. Plastic Milk   and Curds & Whey Experiment

6 . color mixing.

Pour water into three clear plastic cups, then add blue, red, and yellow food coloring to each. Have an additional cup full of uncolored water available as well. Give your child an empty ice cube tray and pipettes and let them create different colors by mixing different ratios of two different primary colors in each ice cube compartment. The secondary colors are new colors created from two primary colors. This is a simple visual of how chemical reactions work.

7. Chemistry Clock

8. blow balloons with yeast and sugar, 9. shiny pennies.

• Collect dirty tarnished pennies.
• Pour different acidic liquids into shallow containers. Try vinegar, salsa, lemon & lime juice.
• Add a teaspoon of salt to each container and stir to combine.
• Place a handful of pennies in each container and soak for 5 minutes.
• Remove them from the solution and rinse in soapy water. Let dry on separate paper towels.
• Compare the results! Which ones are shiniest? Which are dull? Did any turn green?

Acids are corrosive and sour tasting. Liquids such as vinegar, lemon juice, and tomato juice are acids. Pennies are made from copper which tarnishes (turns dark) when exposed to oxygen over time. Placing the copper pennies in an acid will clean the copper oxide off them and make them shiny again.

Learn about Acids and Bases

Most liquids are either an acid or a base. Liquids with lots of hydrogen ions in them are considered acids. Liquids with many hydroxide ions are bases. Scientists use a scale called the ph scale to measure how acidic or basic a liquid is. The more hydrogen ions in a liquid the more acidic it is and ranks low on the ph scale. The more hydroxide ions in a liquid the more basic it is and ranks high on the ph scale.  You can see what that looks like here.

When acids and bases are mixed chemical reactions occur and the solution becomes neutralized.

Acid and Bases Projects:

1. baking soda & vinegar volcano, 2. lemon volcano, 3. the colorful cabbage juice science experiment   and acid base experiment with cabbage, 4. dancing rice, 5. green eggs & ham, 6. bubbly citric acid brew , 7. baking soda vs baking powder science experiment, 8. exploding bags, 9. rainbow rubber eggs , 10. surprise eggs  , 11. rainbow wizard’s brew, chemistry projects with fire (carbon reactions).

Carbon is the most important element for life. Chemicals that contain carbon are called organic compounds.  Carbon has two main forms: The first is in the hard form of diamonds and graphite, and the second is the impure form found in charcoal, coal and soot.

SAFTEY WARNING: Carbon reactions are always fascinating to watch however the presence of fire means that these experiments must be supervised by adults at all times!  

Carbon Reactions Projects:

1. smoking fingers, 2. fire snake, 3. silver egg, 4. invisible ink, chromatography.

Chromatography is the process of separating mixtures. We usually think of it in terms of color hence the prefix -chroma, however in chemistry is means simply a method of separating mixtures by letting them slowly move past each other. It applies to both liquids and gasses.  This is wonderful in-depth explanation of chromatography.

Chromatography Projects:

1. chromatography  .

In this project you will separate the color black into other colors. Fold a coffee filter in half. Fold in half two more times until you have a triangular shape. Color the tip of the coffee filter with washable black marker. Get a good coat of ink on the filter. Add a small amount of water to a plastic cup. Place the black tip of the coffee filter in the cup Wait and observe. Come back to the filter after an hour or two and see what happens to the ink. As the coffee filter absorbs water through capillary action, the black ink moves through the filter and is separated by the water into other colors. You should see blue, green and even red as the water separates the ink.

2. Chromatography Flowers

3. chromatography art, 4. chromatography bags, colloids and solutions/solubility.

Colloids and Solutions are two types of homogenous mixtures.

• Colloids are mixtures in which a small particles of a substance are suspended throughout another substance but not chemically bonded. They are stable though and do not separate. Examples of colloids are gelatin, butter, mayonnaise, fog and smoke.
• Solutions are mixtures in which the particles of one substance are completely dissolved in another substance. The solute is the substance being dissolved and the solvent is the substance doing the dissolving. An example of a solution is saltwater.

If you want a more in-depth primer on solutions and colloids hop over here .

Colloid Projects:

1. colloid examples, 2.  oobleck  , 3. make butter , 4. gelatin streaking, solutions/solubility projects:, 5. ice sculptures , 6. ice cream in a bag.

A printable of the science facts at play here

7. Skittles Science

8. magical water blossoms  <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_selres_start”></span>, 9. diffusion art, 10. paint solubility  , 11. bleeding blossoms  .

A polymer is a substance made up of a long chain of molecules.  Polymers are typically flexible materials like plastic or gum.

The classic polymer kids LOVE to make is slime! Glue is already a polymer but when combined with sodium tetraborate (borax ) the protein molecules of the glue and the borate ions crosslink, making it harder for the molecules to move and forming the gooey, sticky, substance we know as slime.

Other polymers you are probably familiar with are plastic bags, balloons, instant snow, and even the powdery substance found in diapers that expands when wet.

Polymer Projects:

1. best basic slime  .

Bonus: Get the Science Behind Slime printable here

2. Heat Sensitive Slime

3. diy bouncy balls, 4. magic plastic bag experiment, 5. instant terrariums, 6. how to make paper, 7. skewer through balloon , 8. dry erase figure   and dry erase drawings, 9. recycled plastic flowers.

Crystals are a type of material that is formed by patterns of repeating molecules. There are four types of chemical bonds in crystals and therefore four categories of crystals. These are: Covalent, Molecular, Metallic, and Ionic Crystals. You can grow crystals by mixing up a super saturated solution (usually with a type of salt and water) and letting it settle over time so crystals will form. Check out the various types of easy to grow crystal below and go here to read more about the science of crystals .

Crystals Projects:

1. classic borax crystals , 2. overnight crystal garden, 3. egg geodes, 4. crystal wind catchers, 5. crystal landscapes, 6. candy geodes , 7. salt crystals, conclusion & more.

Alright you guys, do you feel like you have some good project ideas for exploring chemistry with kids? Many of these will make greats science fair projects. Be sure to start with them as a topic then start asking questions, form a hypotheses, and do some experiments.

Now I have to admit that I really fell in love with chemistry projects as an adult. Working with kids in camp, after school, and with my own kids at home I’ve had the chance to try fun chemistry projects and discovered that I love watching chemical reactions AND the reactions on the faces of kids and bystanders during demonstration or project!

If you have kids who fall in love with this branch of science please do check out the incredible book series Elements , Molecules , and Reactions by Theodore Gray (see the series in our Amazon science ideas list here ) The books are stunning, informative, easy to understand and, wait for it…funny!

Another valuable resource for kids who love chemistry is Mel Science’s Chemistry subscription box. They send you a starter kit for free with all the materials you’ll need and then each month you get a new chemistry experiment delivered to your door! This is great product because a lot of specialty chemistry ingredients are hard to find and these kits simplify getting the materials you need! Check it out here:

Are you passionate about raising creative kids?

Join over 22,179 parents and educators who want connect with kids and nurture their creative process through magical, easy projects you can do TOGETHER.

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February 26, 2019 at 10:31 pm

These were some really awesome projects. I really liked the Citrus Battery projects. It seems simple and easy for a young kid. I wish schools should give more focus to such experiments instead of shoving down the theoretical knowledge down the throat of young kids.

Carol Biggs says

March 1, 2019 at 4:58 am

Is all of this info available on book form?

Ana Dziengel says

March 6, 2019 at 5:49 am

Not at this time but that’s a great idea!

Betsy Mitten says

March 5, 2019 at 10:43 am

Thank you for making this fantastic collection of experiments with clear directions and easy to understand explanations of the science behind the fun! I know I’ll refer to this list often. I especially appreciate the way the experiments are classified/organized. I teach art with science connections and we are already planning on chalkboard and magnetic slime :). I’ll be sure to tag Babble Dabble Do when I post photos of work inspired by this on target collection!

Kyra Rodriguez says

March 5, 2019 at 10:54 pm

These are all great ideas! I’m pretty sure the kids will have fun and love this activities

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68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions

Whether you’re a student eager to explore the wonders of chemical reactions or a teacher seeking to inspire and engage your students, we’ve compiled a curated list of the top 68 chemistry experiments so you can learn about chemical reactions.

While the theories and laws governing chemistry can sometimes feel abstract, experiments bridge the gap between these concepts and their tangible manifestations. These experiments provide hands-on experiences illuminating the intricacies of chemical reactions, molecular structures, and elemental properties.

1. Covalent Bonds

By engaging in activities that demonstrate the formation and properties of covalent bonds, students can grasp the significance of these bonds in holding atoms together and shaping the world around us.

Learn more: Covalent Bonds

2. Sulfuric Acid and Sugar Demonstration

Through this experiment, students can develop a deeper understanding of chemical properties, appreciate the power of chemical reactions, and ignite their passion for scientific exploration.

3. Make Hot Ice at Home

Making hot ice at home is a fascinating chemistry experiment that allows students to witness the captivating transformation of a liquid into a solid with a surprising twist.

4. Make a Bouncing Polymer Ball

This hands-on activity not only allows students to explore the fascinating properties of polymers but also encourages experimentation and creativity.

Learn more: Thought Co

5. Diffusion Watercolor Art

This experiment offers a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the properties of pigments, observe how they interact with water, and discover the mesmerizing patterns and textures that emerge.

Learn more: Diffusion Watercolor Art

6. Exploding Baggie

The exploding baggie experiment is a captivating and dynamic demonstration that students should engage in with caution and under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

Learn more: Exploding Baggie

7. Color Changing Chemistry Clock

This experiment not only engages students in the world of chemical kinetics but also introduces them to the concept of a chemical clock, where the color change acts as a timekeeping mechanism.

Learn more: Color Changing Chemistry Clock

8. Pipe Cleaner Crystal Trees

By adjusting the concentration of the Borax solution or experimenting with different pipe cleaner arrangements, students can customize their crystal trees and observe how it affects the growth patterns.

Learn more: Pipe Cleaner Crystal Trees

9. How To Make Ice Sculptures

Through this experiment, students gain a deeper understanding of the physical and chemical changes that occur when water freezes and melts.

Learn more: Ice Sculpture

10. How to Make Paper

Through this hands-on activity, students gain a deeper understanding of the properties of cellulose fibers and the transformative power of chemical reactions.

Learn more: How to Make Paper

11. Color Changing Chemistry

Color changing chemistry is an enchanting experiment that offers a captivating blend of science and art. Students should embark on this colorful journey to witness the mesmerizing transformations of chemicals and explore the principles of chemical reactions.

12. Gassy Banana

The gassy banana experiment is a fun and interactive way for students to explore the principles of chemical reactions and gas production.

Learn more: Gassy Banana

13. Gingerbread Man Chemistry Experiment

This hands-on activity not only introduces students to the concepts of chemical leavening and heat-induced reactions but also allows for creativity in decorating and personalizing their gingerbread creations.

Learn more: Gingerbread Man Chemistry Experiment

14. Make Amortentia Potion

While the love potion is fictional, this activity offers a chance to explore the art of potion-making and the chemistry behind it.

Learn more: How to Make Amortentia Potion

15. Strawberry DNA Extraction

This hands-on experiment offers a unique opportunity to observe DNA, the building blocks of life, up close and learn about its structure and properties.

16. Melting Snowman

The melting snowman experiment is a fun and whimsical activity that allows students to explore the principles of heat transfer and phase changes.

Learn more: Melting Snowman

17. Acid Base Cabbage Juice

The acid-base cabbage juice experiment is an engaging and colorful activity that allows students to explore the pH scale and the properties of acids and bases.

By extracting the purple pigment from red cabbage leaves and creating cabbage juice, students can use this natural indicator to identify and differentiate between acidic and basic substances.

Learn more: Acid Base Cabbage Juice

18. Magic Milk

The magic milk experiment is a mesmerizing and educational activity that allows students to explore the concepts of surface tension and chemical reactions.

By adding drops of different food colors to a dish of milk and then introducing a small amount of dish soap, students can witness a captivating display of swirling colors and patterns.

Learn more: Magic Milk

19. Melting Ice with Salt and Water

Through this hands-on activity, students can gain a deeper understanding of the science behind de-icing and how different substances can influence the physical properties of water.

Learn more: Melting Ice with Salt and Water

20. Barking Dog Chemistry Demonstration

The barking dog chemistry demonstration is an exciting and visually captivating experiment that showcases the principles of combustion and gas production.

21. How to Make Egg Geodes

Making egg geodes is a fascinating and creative chemistry experiment that students should try. By using common materials like eggshells, salt, and food coloring, students can create their own beautiful geode-like crystals.

Learn more: How to Make Egg Geodes

22. Make Sherbet

This experiment not only engages the taste buds but also introduces concepts of acidity, solubility, and the chemical reactions that occur when the sherbet comes into contact with moisture.

Learn more: Make Sherbet

23. Hatch a Baking Soda Dinosaur Egg

As the baking soda dries and hardens around the toy, it forms a “shell” resembling a dinosaur egg. To hatch the egg, students can pour vinegar onto the shell, causing a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas.

Learn more: Steam Powered Family

24. Chromatography Flowers

By analyzing the resulting patterns, students can gain insights into the different pigments present in flowers and the science behind their colors.

Learn more: Chromatography Flowers

25. Turn Juice Into Solid

Turning juice into a solid through gelification is an engaging and educational chemistry experiment that students should try. By exploring the transformation of a liquid into a solid, students can gain insights of chemical reactions and molecular interactions.

Learn more: Turn Juice into Solid

26. Bouncy Balls

Making bouncy balls allows students to explore the fascinating properties of polymers, such as their ability to stretch and rebound.

 27. Make a Lemon Battery

Creating a lemon battery is a captivating and hands-on experiment that allows students to explore the fundamentals of electricity and chemical reactions.

28. Mentos and Soda Project

The Mentos and soda project is a thrilling and explosive experiment that students should try. By dropping Mentos candies into a bottle of carbonated soda, an exciting eruption occurs.

29. Alkali Metal in Water

The reaction of alkali metals with water is a fascinating and visually captivating chemistry demonstration.

30. Rainbow Flame

The rainbow flame experiment is a captivating and visually stunning chemistry demonstration that students should explore.

31. Sugar Yeast Experiment

This experiment not only introduces students to the concept of fermentation but also allows them to witness the effects of a living organism, yeast, on the sugar substrate.

32. The Thermite Reaction

The thermite reaction is a highly energetic and visually striking chemical reaction that students can explore with caution and under proper supervision.

This experiment showcases the principles of exothermic reactions, oxidation-reduction, and the high temperatures that can be achieved through chemical reactions.

33. Polishing Pennies

Polishing pennies is a simple and enjoyable chemistry experiment that allows students to explore the concepts of oxidation and cleaning methods.

34. Elephant Toothpaste

The elephant toothpaste experiment is a thrilling and visually captivating chemistry demonstration that students should try with caution and under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor.

35. Magic Potion

Creating a magic potion is an exciting and imaginative activity that allows students to explore their creativity while learning about the principles of chemistry.

36. Color Changing Acid-Base Experiment

Through the color changing acid-base experiment, students can gain a deeper understanding of chemical reactions and the role of pH in our daily lives.

Learn more: Color Changing Acid-Base Experiment

37. Fill up a Balloon

Filling up a balloon is a simple and enjoyable physics experiment that demonstrates the properties of air pressure. By blowing air into a balloon, you can observe how the balloon expands and becomes inflated.

38. Jello and Vinegar

The combination of Jello and vinegar is a fascinating and tasty chemistry experiment that demonstrates the effects of acid on a gelatin-based substance.

Learn more: Jello and Vinegar

39. Vinegar and Steel Wool Reaction

This experiment not only provides a visual demonstration of the oxidation process but also introduces students to the concept of corrosion and the role of acids in accelerating the process.

Learn more: Vinegar and Steel Wool Reaction

40. Dancing Rice

The dancing rice experiment is a captivating and educational demonstration that showcases the principles of density and buoyancy.

By pouring a small amount of uncooked rice into a clear container filled with water, students can witness the rice grains moving and “dancing” in the water.

Learn more: Dancing Rice

41. Soil Testing Garden Science

Soil testing is a valuable and informative experiment that allows students to assess the composition and properties of soil.

By collecting soil samples from different locations and analyzing them, students can gain insights into the nutrient content, pH level, and texture of the soil.

Learn more: Soil Testing Garden Science

42. Heat Sensitive Color Changing Slime

Creating heat-sensitive color-changing slime is a captivating and playful chemistry experiment that students should try.

Learn more: Left Brain Craft Brain

43. Experimenting with Viscosity

Experimenting with viscosity is an engaging and hands-on activity that allows students to explore the flow properties of liquids.

Viscosity refers to a liquid’s resistance to flow, and this experiment enables students to investigate how different factors affect viscosity.

Learn more: Experimenting with Viscosity

44. Rock Candy Science

Rock candy science is a delightful and educational chemistry experiment that students should try. By growing their own rock candy crystals, students can learn about crystal formation and explore the principles of solubility and saturation.

Learn more: Rock Candy Science

45. Baking Soda vs Baking Powder

Baking soda and baking powder have distinct properties that influence the leavening process in different ways.

This hands-on experiment provides a practical understanding of how these ingredients interact with acids and moisture to create carbon dioxide gas.

46. Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions Experiment

The endothermic and exothermic reactions experiment is an exciting and informative chemistry exploration that students should try.

By observing and comparing the heat changes in different reactions, students can gain a deeper understanding of energy transfer and the concepts of endothermic and exothermic processes.

Learn more: Education.com

47. Diaper Chemistry

By dissecting a diaper and examining its components, students can uncover the chemical processes that make diapers so effective at absorbing and retaining liquids.

Learn more: Diaper Chemistry

48. Candle Chemical Reaction

The “Flame out” experiment is an intriguing and educational chemistry demonstration that students should try. By exploring the effects of a chemical reaction on a burning candle, students can witness the captivating moment when the flame is extinguished.

49. Make Curds and Whey

This experiment not only introduces students to the concept of acid-base reactions but also offers an opportunity to explore the science behind cheese-making.

Learn more: Tinkerlab

50. Grow Crystals Overnight

By creating a supersaturated solution using substances like epsom salt, sugar, or borax, students can observe the fascinating process of crystal growth. This experiment allows students to explore the principles of solubility, saturation, and nucleation.

Learn more: Grow Crystals Overnight

51. Measure Electrolytes in Sports Drinks

The “Measure Electrolytes in Sports Drinks” experiment is an informative and practical chemistry activity that students should try.

By using simple tools like a multimeter or conductivity probe, students can measure the electrical conductivity of different sports drinks to determine their electrolyte content.

52. Oxygen and Fire Experiment

The oxygen and fire experiment is a captivating and educational chemistry demonstration that students should try. By observing the effects of oxygen on a controlled fire, students can witness the essential role of oxygen in supporting combustion.

53. Electrolysis Of Water

The electrolysis of water experiment is a captivating and educational chemistry demonstration that students should try.

Learn more: Electrolysis Of Water

54. Expanding Ivory Soap

The expanding Ivory Soap experiment is a fun and interactive chemistry activity that students should try. By placing a bar of Ivory soap in a microwave, students can witness the remarkable expansion of the soap as it heats up.

Learn more: Little Bins Little Hands

55. Glowing Fireworks

This experiment not only introduces students to the principles of pyrotechnics and combustion but also encourages observation, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the physics and chemistry behind.

Learn more: Glowing Fireworks

56. Colorful Polymer Chemistry

Colorful polymer chemistry is an exciting and vibrant experiment that students should try to explore polymers and colorants.

By combining different types of polymers with various colorants, such as food coloring or pigments, students can create a kaleidoscope of colors in their polymer creations.

Learn more: Colorful Polymer Chemistry

57. Sulfur Hexafluoride- Deep Voice Gas

This experiment provides a firsthand experience of how the density and composition of gases can influence sound transmission.

It encourages scientific curiosity, observation, and a sense of wonder as students witness the surprising transformation of their voices.

58. Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream

Liquid nitrogen ice cream is a thrilling and delicious chemistry experiment that students should try. By combining cream, sugar, and flavorings with liquid nitrogen, students can create ice cream with a unique and creamy texture.

59. White Smoke Chemistry Demonstration

The White Smoke Chemistry Demonstration provides an engaging and visually captivating experience for students to explore chemical reactions and gases. By combining hydrochloric acid and ammonia solutions, students can witness the mesmerizing formation of white smoke.

60. Nitrogen Triiodide Chemistry Demonstration

The nitrogen triiodide chemistry demonstration is a remarkable and attention-grabbing experiment that students should try under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor.

By reacting iodine crystals with concentrated ammonia, students can precipitate nitrogen triiodide (NI3), a highly sensitive compound.

61. Make a Plastic- Milk And Vinegar Reaction Experiment

Through the “Make a Plastic – Milk and Vinegar Reaction” experiment, students can gain a deeper understanding of the chemistry behind plastics, environmental sustainability, and the potential of biodegradable materials.

Learn more: Rookie Parenting

62. Eno and Water Experiment

This experiment not only introduces students to acid-base reactions but also engages their senses as they witness the visible and audible effects of the reaction.

63. The Eternal Kettle Experiment

By filling a kettle with alcohol and igniting it, students can investigate the behavior of the alcohol flame and its sustainability.

64. Coke and Chlorine Bombs

Engaging in this experiment allows students to experience the wonders of chemistry firsthand, making it an ideal choice to ignite their curiosity and passion for scientific exploration.

65. Set your Hand on Fire

This experiment showcases the fascinating nature of combustion and the science behind fire.

By carefully following proper procedures and safety guidelines, students can witness firsthand how the sanitizer’s high alcohol content interacts with an open flame, resulting in a brief but captivating display of controlled combustion.

66. Instant Ice Experiments

The Instant Ice Experiment offers an engaging and captivating opportunity for students to explore the wonders of chemistry and phase changes.

By using simple household ingredients, students can witness the fascinating phenomenon of rapid ice formation in just a matter of seconds.

67. Coke Cans in Acid and Base

Engaging in this experiment allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the chemical properties of substances and the importance of safety protocols in scientific investigations.

68. Color Changing Invisible Ink

The Color Changing Invisible Ink experiment offers an intriguing and fun opportunity for students to explore chemistry and learn about the concept of chemical reactions.

Learn more: Research Parent

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Really Cool Chemical Reaction Experiments You Can Easily Do at Home

These chemical reaction experiments are some of my favorite science activities for middle school .

When you hear the term chemical reaction, do you visualize something exploding? Most of us do. But not all reactions are that noticeable.

We’re actually surrounded by chemical change every day without thinking about it. Transformations like rust, a match lighting, yeast in bread, or silver tarnishing.

During our chemistry studies, we learned about different reactions by completing a bunch of fun hands-on projects like the ones listed below.

Table of Contents

Chemical Reaction Experiments

One of the best parts of teaching science at home is the fact that we get to add in as many experiments as we want. It’s important to schedule labs into your lesson plans because when science is interactive, kids have an easier time understanding the material.

Because we’re surrounded by chemical reactions all the time, it’s easy to study them.

Keep reading to see how you can inflate a balloon with baking soda and vinegar, grow crystals, create something that oozes, and lots more – all with different chemical reactions.

What is a Chemical Reaction

So what exactly is a chemical reaction? It is when a chemical change occurs.

The substances you start with react together and form something different. The reactants  create a product . Bonds keeping atoms together are either broken or formed to create new molecules.

How do you know a chemical change has occurred? Look out for:

• vaporization (production of gas)
• precipitation (creation of a solid)
• change in color
• change in temperature
• change in properties

In our science co-op, we learned about four types of reactions.

• This is the simplest type of chemical reaction. It’s when two or more reactants are combined to create a more complex product.
• A + B → AB

Decomposition

• Decomposition is when a compound is broken down into its separate parts.
• AB → A + B

Single replacement

• This occurs when an element’s place in a compound is taken by another element.
• A + BC → AC + B

Double replacement

• In a double replacement, the ions in compounds are switched, creating a new compound.
• AB + CD → AD + CB

Any links in this post may be affiliate links. See my disclosure statement .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda in a balloon? Well, that’s what you’re going to find out during this lab.

This popular experiment may seem quite simple, but when you add in scientific questions, it makes it perfect for a middle school science lesson.

To make it super easy for your tweens to complete this baking soda and vinegar balloon lab , use these helpful printable worksheets.

You’ll need:

• plastic bottle
• baking soda
• measuring spoons

• Using the funnel, add 3 TBSP of vinegar into the bottle.
• Dry off the funnel or grab a new one.
• Put the funnel into the balloon and add 1 tsp of baking soda into the balloon. Shake it so the powder falls into the large part of the balloon.
• Pull the funnel out of the balloon.
• Carefully, stretch the balloon over the bottle opening, making sure that the baking soda remains in the balloon.
• Lift up the balloon, letting the baking soda fall into the vinegar and watch the balloon inflate!

Some questions for your tweens to consider:

• What do you think will happen?
• What type of change took place?
• What happened?
• How long did the reaction continue?

Chemical Change Experiments

There are a number of activities you can do to at home that will physically show that a chemical change has occurred.

Add a couple of these labs to your science lessons to help your middle schooler understand the science behind chemical reactions.

Or use them as part of some summer science experiment fun over break for your middle schoolers!

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Kids get a kick out of seeing how hydrogen peroxide can be used to create something that oozes everywhere with this elephant toothpaste experiment .

Homemade Crystals

Use borax and pipe cleaners to grow your own crystals. While this shows you how to make crystal ornaments , you can actually make anything you’d like, just shape it from the pipe cleaner.

Foam Cup Meltdown Science Experiment

Foam cup meltdown ! Show your kids how a foam cup melts when it comes in contact with acetone.

Lava Lamp Science Project

Making your own groovy lava lamp isn’t just a cool DIY project for tweens. It’s also a fun science experiment.

Penny Chemistry Experiment

In this clean penny experiment , tweens will tarnish some pennies to see how the copper reacts to oxygen and clean others to view how hydrogen chloride works with sodium acetate. Pretty cool penny chemistry.

Amazing Chemical Reactions

Check out 27 of the most amazing chemical reactions. Prepare to be blown away!

As you can see, there are a wide variety of safe and fun experiments you can do at home with your older kids to help them learn about chemical change as part of their chemistry studies. 

Chemistry Experiments for Middle School

Here are some more chemistry experiments you can do at home with your tweens.

• Middle School Chemistry – Solids and Liquids
• Middle School Chemistry – Acids and bases
• Middle School Chemistry – Build Atoms With Candy

How to Teach Chemistry in a Fun Way

Use these helpful tools to make chemistry fun for your middle schoolers. They all make it easy to do science at home.

• Amazing Kitchen Chemistry Projects You Can Build Yourself has a bunch of chemistry labs you can complete in your kitchen.
• Chemistry for Every Kid includes 101 different experiments that are perfect for homeschoolers.
• Use this Stir-It-Up Chemistry Lab for some easy chemical change experiments.
• Build a volcano using a helpful kit.

And don’t forget your printable worksheets – they’ll make it super easy to do a chemical change experiment at home using just baking soda, vinegar, and balloons!

What are your favorite chemical reaction experiments for middle school?

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45 Cool Chemistry Experiments, Demos, and Science Fair Projects

Don’t forget your safety equipment!

Bunsen burners, colorful chemicals, and the possibility of a (controlled) explosion or two? Everybody loves chemistry experiments! We’ve rounded up the best activities, demos, and chemistry science fair projects for kids and teens. Try them in the classroom or at home.

Easy Chemistry Experiments and Activities for All Ages

Chemistry science fair projects.

These chemistry experiments and activities are all easy to do using simple supplies you probably already have. Families can try them at home, or teachers and students can do them together in the classroom.

Mix up some magic milk

Kids love this colorful experiment, which explores the concept of surface tension. This is one of our favorite chemistry experiments to try at home, since the supplies are so basic and the results are so cool!

Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow. You’ll definitely want to have extra Skittles on hand so your class can enjoy a few as well!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

Make elephant-sized toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” You can also add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for their plastic bottles.

Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

So simple and so amazing! All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and some water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test! Finally, have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table. This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results. This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done.

Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips. Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school yourself. This well-known activity demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases. Fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda. Fit the balloon over the top, shake the baking soda down into the vinegar, and watch the balloon inflate.

Learn more: Balloon Experiments

Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid/base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste and toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog. No need for canopic jars ; just grab some baking soda and get started.

Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

Set popcorn dancing

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

Learn more: Dancing Popcorn Experiment

Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Mentos and Coke Experiment

All of these chemistry experiments are perfect for using the scientific method. Form a hypothesis, alter the variables, and then observe the results! You can simplify these projects for younger kids, or add more complexity for older students.

Break apart covalent bonds

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Break the covalent bond of H 2 O into H and O with this simple experiment. You only need simple supplies for this one. Turn it into a science fair project by changing up the variables—does the temperature of the water matter? What happens if you try this with other liquids?

Learn more: Breaking Covalent Bonds

Measure the calories in various foods

Are the calorie counts on your favorite snacks accurate? Build your own calorimeter and find out! This kit from Home Science Tools has all the supplies you’ll need.

Detect latent fingerprints

Forensic science is engrossing and can lead to important career opportunities too. Explore the chemistry needed to detect latent (invisible) fingerprints, just like they do for crime scenes!

Learn more: Fingerprints Project

Use Alka-Seltzer to explore reaction rate

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Tweak this basic concept to create a variety of high school chemistry science fair projects. Change the temperature, surface area, pressure, and more to see how reaction rates change.

Determine whether sports drinks really have more electrolytes than other beverages

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced

Are those pricey sports drinks really worth it? Try this experiment to find out. You’ll need some special equipment for this one; buy a complete kit at Home Science Tools .

Turn flames into a rainbow

You’ll need to get your hands on a few different chemicals for this experiment, but the wow factor will make it worth the effort. Make it a science project by seeing if different materials, air temperature, or other factors change the results.

Discover the size of a mole

The mole is a key concept in chemistry, so it’s important to ensure students really understand it. This experiment uses simple materials like salt and chalk to make an abstract concept more concrete. Make it a project by applying the same procedure to a variety of substances, or determining whether outside variables have an effect on the results.

Learn more: How Big Is a Mole?

Cook up candy to learn mole and molecule calculations

This edible experiment lets students make their own peppermint hard candy while they calculate mass, moles, molecules, and formula weights. Tweak the formulas to create different types of candy and make this into a sweet science fair project!

Learn more: Candy Chemistry

Make soap to understand saponification

Take a closer look at an everyday item: soap! Use oils and other ingredients to make your own soap, learning about esters and saponification. Tinker with the formula to find one that fits a particular set of parameters.

Learn more: Saponification

Uncover the secrets of evaporation

Explore the factors that affect evaporation, then come up with ways to slow them down or speed them up for a simple science fair project.

Learn more: Evaporation

More Chemistry Experiment Science Fair Ideas

These questions and prompts can spark ideas for unique chemistry experiments:

• Compare the properties of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
• Explore the impact of temperature, concentration, and seeding on crystal growth.
• Test various antacids on the market to find the most effective product.
• What is the optimum temperature for yeast production when baking bread from scratch?
• Compare the vitamin C content of various fruits and vegetables.
• How does temperature affect enzyme-catalyzed reactions?
• Investigate the effects of pH on an acid-base chemical reaction.
• Devise a new natural way to test pH levels (such as cabbage leaves).
• What’s the best way to slow down metal oxidation (the form of rust)?
• How do changes in ingredients and method affect the results of a baking recipe?

Like these chemistry experiments? Don’t miss STEM Activities for Kids of All Ages and Interests .

Plus, get all the latest teaching news and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters.

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Easy Chemistry Experiments for Kids

October 19, 2021 By Emma Vanstone 1 Comment

When I think back to my own childhood and school days, I don’t remember any chemistry experiments until secondary school, which is a shame because there are so many wonderfully visual easy chemistry experiments for kids that can be done at home or in school with young children.

I’ve put together a collection of my favourite examples, do let us know if you try any.

  Please remember young children should be supervised at all times.

Chemistry Experiments for Kids in the Kitchen

Exploding sandwich bags .

I did struggle a little when we tried this as the reaction happens so fast, but  Steve Spangler has a nifty method where he traps the vinegar in a second smaller bag, which you then have to burst to get the reaction started.

Inspiration laboratories add a twist by adding some colour and making  firework pictures at the same time.

Blow Up a Balloon

This is a super simple demonstration or experiment that has never failed me, and all you need is a container with a small neck, a balloon and either an alka seltzer or an effervescent vitamin tablet. The alka seltzer or vitamin tablet reacts with water to release bubbles of carbon dioxide filling the jar and then blowing up the balloon.

Blow up a balloon with alka seltzer

Find out how to blow up a balloon with lemon juice and baking soda.

Colourful Milk

Make a lovely, colourful display using milk, food colouring and vinegar.

Oil, Food Colouring and Water Exploration Table

My oil, water and food colouring exploration table is brilliant for even very young children. For older children, try a more structured approach, they could measure the amount of vinegar and baking soda needed to make the reaction spill over the top of the beaker or try dropping tiny amounts of coloured water into the oil.

Density Rainbow Jar

Learn about the tricky concept of density and make a beautiful demonstration density jar .

Simple Density Jar

If you don’t want to make as many layers as we have, why not try this smaller version and try to find an object to float on each layer?

Lemon Volcanoes

This lemon volcano from Babble Dabble Do is a great alternative to the traditional volcano and is handy as the lemon already contains acid.

Clean coins

Did you know you can clean coins with vinegar ?

Colourful Chemistry Experiments

Make your own ph indicator.

Test the pH of vinegar and baking soda with a red cabbage indicator . What do you think might happen if you blow into the indicator?

Dissolving Skittles

Watching the colour dissolve from skittles or M & Ms dissolve into water is a lovely, quick, visual activity.

Chemistry Experiments for Kids Outside

Giant bubbles.

Who doesn’t love a giant bubble ? Red Ted Art makes bubble making look easy in this great video. Remember, the mixture gets better the longer you leave it, so allow plenty of time.

Make a Square Bubble

All you need to make a square bubble is a square frame. If you don’t have plastic pieces to use, pipe cleaners also work well.

Coke and Mento Reaction

The infamous coke and mento reaction is super easy and very impressive to watch. Try comparing the size of the geyser using diet and full sugar cola or using different types of fizzy drinks.

Can you design something which allows the mentos to drop in as soon as you remove the lid?

Elephants Toothpaste

Fun at Home with Kids makes elephants toothpaste   look super simple, but do be careful with the hydrogen peroxide and take appropriate precautions.

Film Canister Rockets

Film canister rockets are easy, inexpensive and great fun. All you need is a film canister, an effervescent vitamin tablet and some water. Experiment with different amounts of water and tablets to find the most explosive combination.

Make a Volcano

Find out how to make a volcano erupt with sand, snow or papier mache. A baking soda volcano is a brilliant classic chemistry experiment every kid should try at least once!

Chemistry Separation Methods

Bicycle centrifuge.

Did you know you can use bike wheels as a very basic centrifuge ?

Stone and Gravel Filter

Learn about filters by making a filter with stones , gravel and sand.

Filter Paper Chromatography

Take on the role of a detective with some fun filter paper chromatography .

Can you think of any more amazing chemistry experiments for kids?

Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

June 15, 2021 at 5:04 pm

these ideas are great i picked two to do at my moms house the skittles in water and coke with mentos my mom might not let me do the coke bootle and mentos but she might let me do the skittles i will let you know if it works if it does i give this website a 10/10

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Five Physical and Chemical Changes Experiments

Science friend, are you looking for physical and chemical change activities to engage and motivate students? These five activities will have students differentiate the differences between a physical change and a chemical change while having a lot of fun. Depending on your classroom, you may choose to do these as demonstrations or allow students to work in small groups. 

What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical change?

A physical change is a change in the size, shape, or state of matter. 

A chemical change is a change that creates something new. 

If you are new to teaching physical and chemical changes or would like a breakdown of how to teach this unit, click here . 

Physical and Chemical Changes Experiments

Physical and chemical change experiment #1 : baking soda and vinegar.

This experiment is an easy win to incorporate into your physical and chemical changes unit if you are on a budget . Baking soda and vinegar are two staples in most kitchens. Bring these materials into your classroom. 

Once you combine the two materials, students will be able to see bubbles form. Bubbles are one way to tell that a chemical change has occurred as it is a new substance that forms when baking soda and vinegar combine. 

Chemical and Physical Change Experiment #2: Naked Eggs

This activity will take a few days to observe before seeing the results but is a great example of a chemical change. To complete this experiment, you will need: 

• White vinegar

Discuss with the students about the egg. Then, ask them to predict what they think will happen when the vinegar meets the egg. Throughout the 3 days, students should see that the eggshell breaks down because of the acid in the vinegar. Eventually, the entire eggshell will disappear, leaving just the insides of the egg. 

Why does this happen? This chemical change occurs because the egg actually has little holes in its shell. The vinegar, an acid, finds its way into these tiny holes and started to break it down. However, the egg’s insides will remain intact because there is a membrane surrounding it that holds everything together. 

Chemical and Physical Changes Experiment #3: Gas Balloons

Another fun but easy experiment to use in your classroom involves soda and a balloon. Take a 1-liter bottle of any brand of soda and place a balloon around the mouth of the bottle. 

This experiment will need about ten minutes to see the changes. 

Over time, students should observe that the balloon begins to fill up and grow larger. 

This experiment can be used to see if students are thinking critically about examples of chemical and physical changes. For example, while I teach students that bubbles can indicate a chemical change, the bubbles need to be a new substance. Since the bubbles are already in the soda bottle, this is not a chemical change. However, the size of the balloon is growing because the carbon dioxide from the soda is spreading out to fill the space in the balloon, which is a physical change. 

Physical and Chemical Changes Experiment #4: Does surface area affect the rate of melting?

This activity is another one to observe a physical change. The materials are simple,

• a timer, and

Students will use the timer to calculate how long it takes ice cubes of different sizes and shapes to melt. Then, students can make comparisons for crushed or cubed ice. Next, have students use the ruler to determine the surface area of the cubes – but caution them from touching the cubes as their body heat will affect the melting rate. 

Since this activity is monitoring a change of the state of matter, it is a physical change. However, students will enjoy working with the ice cubes, and the simplicity of this activity is perfect for integrating into your science classroom. 

Chemical and Physical Changes Experiment #5: Digestion

Reinforce the concept that science happens in our bodies, including physical and chemical changes. For example, this experiment will mimic how the muscles of our bodies help to break down food in the human body to be digested. 

For this experiment, you will need: 

• 2 Ziploc bags
• Various food inside the bag
• 1/2 c Water

Fill the same types of food inside each bag trying to keep them as similar as possible. Pour about 1/2 c of water into each bag. Set your time for 5 minutes. Allow the bags to remain as they are. 

After 5 minutes, mimic the stomach muscles moving to break down the food. Often, this is a classroom demonstration, so I will call students up to squeeze the bag to resemble stomach muscles. 

Put the bags down, have students make observations, wait another five minutes and repeat. Students should observe that the food in the bag that has muscle contractions will break down more than the other bag. 

While this demonstration shows a physical change, remind students that acids and enzymes help to further break down food which is a chemical change. 

These are 5 super easy experiments to integrate into your physical and chemical changes unit. If you are looking for ready-made resources to use, check out the following: 

• 8 Chemical and Physical Changes Experiments
• Physical and Chemical Changes Unit
• How to Teach a Unit on Chemical and Physical Changes

• Read more about: physical science , science , teacher tips , Uncategorized

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13 Awesome Chemical Reaction Experiments You Can Do At Home

Categories Activities & Ideas

Kids love to play mad scientist. And what better way to get kids excited about chemistry than with a few awesome chemical reaction experiments you can do at home?

Chemistry is an important branch of science that plays a big role in our everyday lives – so it’s definitely a subject children should learn about.

Luckily, chemistry is like performing magic – it’s fun to learn and do!

So, with that said, here are some awesome chemical experiments that can be done at home, all just as fun as they are educational.

Just remember: For health and safety, just make sure to supervise your child while doing the following experiments. If you’re a teacher, conduct these experiments in class or have the child’s parents supervise them at home.

1. Mentos & Diet Soda Chemical Volcano Eruption

Mixing mentos and diet soda is a classic experiment that produces a large chemical reaction that’s ideal for showing kids what chemistry is capable of. It’s safe and non-toxic, but the experiment can get messy, so it’s best to do it outdoors!

For this chemical reaction experiment, all you’ll need are a two-liter bottle of diet soda, a test tube or sheet of paper, an index card, and Mentos candies. You can use normal soda instead of diet soda, as well as M&Ms or Skittles instead of Mentos.

2. Baking Soda And Vinegar Balloon Experiment

If you have never seen a self-inflating balloon, this awesome chemical reaction experiment is sure to amaze the kids. The best thing is that baking soda and vinegar are common household items, so this experiment is easy enough to do at home.

All it involves is mixing baking soda and vinegar in a bottle and placing a balloon on the open end. The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar will release carbon dioxide gas that will inflate the balloon.

3. Green Flames

Copper sulfate is another item that can be easily found in most homes, but what’s special about it is that it can turn flames green. This chemical reaction experiment is best done in a fireplace or with a small controlled flame.

This is another awesome experiment that’s simple to do. Simply sprinkle copper sulfate onto a flame to see the color turn blue. You can also use alcohol or an alcohol-based fuel before lighting to achieve a brighter green color.

4. Fireproof Balloon

If you have more balloons left over from the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment shown above, creating a fireproof balloon is another awesome chemical reaction experiment that’s easy to do and sure to impress.

For this experiment, all you need are two balloons, 50 milliliters of water, a syringe, and a candle or lighter. Simply blow two balloons up, one with 50ml of water added using the syringe. Hold each balloon over a candle to see which one bursts!

5. Foaming Volcano At Home Experiment

The foaming volcano experiment is similar to the baking soda and vinegar experiment except that it’s less explosive and involves different items. It uses baking soda, liquid soap, red food coloring, and acetic acid to create a foaming chemical reaction.

All it involves is using plasticine to create a volcano, then filling the inside with baking soda, a few drops of food coloring, and liquid soap. The last step is adding the acetic acid to watch the volcano erupt. Perform the experiment outside or in a tray to avoid mess!

6. Ice Cream In A Bag

Teach children that cooking also involves chemistry! This ice cream in a bag chemical reaction experiment is a great way to teach kids about freezing point depression, creating a tasty treat that they can also eat afterward.

The main items you’ll need for this experiment include zipper-top bags, ice, sodium chloride as table salt or rock salt, and ingredients for the ice cream, which are sugar, milk, whipping cream, and vanilla flavoring.

7. Elephant Toothpaste

This elephant toothpaste experiment is another simple chemical reaction that you can do at home using common household items. All you’ll need are an empty bottle (plastic or glass), 6% hydrogen peroxide, dry yeast, dish soap, food coloring, and warm water.

Similar to the foaming volcano, this elephant toothpaste experiment creates a chemical reaction that will see the bottle overflow with a foamy liquid. To make it extra fun, conduct the experiment with different food coloring!

8. Smoke Without Fire Experiment

“There’s no smoke without fire” unless you’re a chemist! This fun smoke-without-fire experiment demonstrates an awesome chemical reaction that creates smoke using a combination of concentrated hydrochloric acid and ammonia.

You will need some science equipment to perform this experiment, which includes three flasks connected by gas pipes. The chemical reaction produces a slow release of white smoke with, you guessed it, no fire or sparks.

9. Liquid Layer Density Tower

Density towers, or density columns, are a great way to show and explain the density levels of different liquids. You can use honey, corn syrup or pancake syrup, liquid dishwashing soap, water (with food coloring if desired), vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol, and lamp oil.

When you have a jar or container, the key is to put the heavier liquids in first, then pour the next liquids in using the side of the container. Even if you don’t get it right the first time, it’s a fun experiment that also creates a colorful display item!

If you and the kids don’t mind getting messy, this slime experiment is a fun chemical reaction that will create a thick, stretchy slime that becomes firmer and less sticky the more it’s played with. You can also add food coloring to create different colors of slime!

For this chemical reaction experiment, you’ll need borax powder, water, glue, and food coloring if you want to add color to the slime. You’ll also need a bowl, jar or measuring cup, and teaspoon for mixing.

11. Ignite A Candle With A Battery

Show your class that it’s possible to light a candle without matches or lighters with this awesome battery experiment! All it requires is an AA battery, chewing gum wrapper, cotton wool, scissors, and a candle.

You might not know this, but the chewing gum wrapper is coated with a layer of aluminum. As a good electrical conductor, the wrapper will generate an electric current when connected to the battery. The aluminum will heat up and light the cotton, which will ignite the candle.

12. DIY Lava Lamp

Lava lamps are awesome, so why not make a DIY one at home using an awesome chemical reaction? Although this DIY lava lamp won’t shine as brightly as a regular lava lamp, it’s still a fun experiment that will teach the kids about density.

The end result is a colorful liquid (use any kind of food coloring you like) with floating bubbles that can make a great bedroom ornament. It’s quick and simple, too, requiring just 30 minutes to create overall.

13. Homemade Science Christmas Ornament

Perfect for the holidays, this homemade science Christmas ornament experiment will get the kids to create glowing crystal icicles that can be hung outside or on the Christmas tree. It’s simple as well, only requiring borax powder, pipe cleaners, and string or twine.

To perform this chemical reaction experiment, you’ll need to add boiling hot water to a glass jar with borax. Twist the pipe cleaner around a pencil or pen to create a winding shape, then lower the pipe cleaner into the mixture with string. Leave until crystals start to form!

So there you have it: a list of awesome chemical experiments you can do at home to teach kids about the fascinating world of chemistry. These experiments are fun, educational, and sure to amaze kids of all ages!

Don’t forget: For health and safety reasons, just make sure to supervise your child while doing the above experiments or, if you’re a teacher, conduct the experiments in class or have the child’s parents supervise them at home.

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5 Ideas for Physical & Chemical Change: Experiments & Demonstrations They’ll Love

These ideas aren’t your average science experiments! We’re going to dig deeper with conservation of matter, CER, and a phenomenon-based science unit.

There are MANY physical and chemical changes you can observe, but here are 5 of my favorites for upper elementary. Many of these ideas include a focus on conservation of matter because the two concepts go hand in hand.

Physical changes are changes to the appearance or form of a substance, but the substance itself is not changed into a new substance. Chemical changes involve a substance changing into a new substance with different properties.

1. 🥛 Soda Surprise Investigation

This scenario is provided at the beginning of the chemical change unit . Students discuss the scenario then investigate what occurs when soda and milk are mixed. Warning: It’s pretty gross but makes for a meaningful introduction!

Try it on your own or see the unit on TpT: Chemical Change Phenomena-based Science

2. 🎈 Baking Soda & Vinegar Balloon

Take the traditional baking soda and vinegar reaction and add a balloon . When a balloon of baking soda is placed over a graduated cylinder of vinegar in a closed system , you can more easily observe the production of a gas. The reaction occurs and the balloon inflates!

There are many variations of this investigation from simple observation to experimental design to proving the conservation of matter.

This station is part of a stations set on TpT: Physical and Chemical Change Stations

3. 🌟 Glow Sticks

The glow stick is the perfect item to explore chemical change.

It’s cheap.

It’s not messy.

It’s a closed system.

Measure the mass of the glow stick before and after the chemical reaction to demonstrate the conservation of matter.

Try it on your own or see the unit on TpT: Conservation of Matter Phenomena-based Science

4. 🍬 Dissolving Sugar Cubes

Dissolving is a simple observable physical change. I like sugar cubes for ease. In this lab, students demonstrate the conservation of matter while observing a physical change.

• balance or scale
• beaker with 100 ml water
• sugar cubes
• stirring rod/craft stick
• Measure the mass of the cup.
• Add 100 ml of water to the cup.
• Measure 25 g of sugar cubes.
• Add the sugar cubes to water and stir to dissolve.
• Measure the mass of the solution. Be sure to subtract the mass of the cup.

5. 🥤 Mentos + Diet Coke Demonstration

A fun way to wrap up your unit? Do the classic Mentos and Diet Coke demonstration! 

Ask students to determine whether a physical change or chemical reaction occurred .

This one is tricky because it certainly seems like a chemical reaction similar to baking soda and vinegar, but it’s actually a physical reaction. Tiny bumps along the candy’s surface make the bonds between water and carbon dioxide easily broken, bubbling up, and resulting in that cool eruption.

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6 Simple Chemistry Experiments for Kids that You can do at Home

Krystal DeVille

Updated on: June 29, 2020

Learning at home can be really fun! Especially with these fun chemistry experiments for kids.

Kids love seeing their “volcano” explode or creating slime, and both are experiments involving a chemical reaction ! They are easy chemistry experiments to do at home.

So, if you’re looking for a fun way to keep your kids engaged in learning at home, keep reading to see some of our favorite easy chemical reactions experiments.

Table of Contents

What is the field of chemistry?

Chemistry is the area of science that deals with matter, which is everything that surrounds us, and the way it changes. With kids, you might explore the various states of matter (liquids, solids, and gases) and simple chemical reactions.

Why are chemistry experiments for kids a valuable learning experience?

Chemists create things that we use in our everyday lives. They also improve products that we already have, to make them safer and more effective.

At an early age, your budding scientists can gain and build upon scientific knowledge to make predictions related to chemistry. This early success could lead the way for future achievement in this important area of science.

6 Fun Chemical Reaction Experiments for Your Children

Now, let’s get started with our favorite chemistry experiments for kids! Here you’ll find all of the directions you need, plus discussion questions to ask after the experiment is complete.

 1. Erupting Volcano

Here’s an outdoor chemical reaction experiment to share with your child. Volcano structures can be made out of papier-mache or merely from a mound of sand or small stones/gravel. Either way, you’ll likely want the eruption to take place outdoors. “Lava” is produced from an eye-popping chemical reaction. You’ll need the following ingredients for this experiment:

• white vinegar
• red food coloring OR washable paint
• baking soda
• empty water/soda bottle OR plastic cup

 1 st Method : Papier-Mache Volcano

This is the classic method of building your own papier-mache volcano first, which is a fun craft in itself. Then follow these directions:

• Mix 3-4 drops of dish soap, 1 tbsp. of warm water, ⅓ cup of white vinegar, and 2 drops of red food coloring in the bottle.
• In a measuring cup, add just enough water to 2 tbsp. baking soda to stir and make a pourable liquid.
• Add the baking soda mixture to the ingredients in the bottle placed inside the papier-mache volcano. Move back for the eruption!

 2 nd Method : Outdoor Gravel Volcano

For a faster experiment with less clean-up, create your volcano outside using gravel and dirt.

• In a large plastic cup filled about 1/3 with water, add 3-4 tbsp. of baking soda, 1 tsp. dish soap, and at least ½ oz. of red, washable paint. Stir to combine.
• Form the volcano with sand or small stones/gravel and place the cup on top.
• Add about 1 cup of vinegar and watch it erupt!

After the experiment, consider this discussion question:

What makes the reaction? Carbon dioxide is formed when the baking soda is combined with the vinegar, which is an acid. Carbon dioxide is also what makes the fizz in soda pop.

2. Exploding Colors Science Experiment

For a fun and easy alternative to creating your volcano, check out our exploding colors experiment. This is also a backing soda and vinegar reaction, but we turned it into a little game too!

In this experiment you need:

• 3-4 small containers
• food coloring

Instructions:

• Place a few drops of food coloring into each container. Use a different color in each bowl.
• Cover the food coloring with the baking soda.
• Mix the containers around and have your kids guess which color they think will explode.
• Pour the vinegar into the bowl, and observe which color comes bursting forth. Each time you get the correct color, you score a point.

Bonus learning: This is a great experiment for both chemical reactions, but to also have younger kids practice the process of elimination. If blue has already been a color that has exploded, what colors are remaining?

3. Explore Liquid vs. Solid with Oobleck

If your child isn’t yet familiar with the book Bartholomew and the Oobleck, by Dr. Seuss, this would be a great opportunity to read that entertaining story together. Or read it again just for the fun of it!

 To help your child make oobleck, gather these household ingredients:

• food coloring (any color, but green matches the book)
• In a bowl, mix about 1 ½ cups of cornstarch with 1 cup of water. Start by using a spoon, and then switch to hands as the mixture gets closer to a solid. If need be, use up to 2 cups of cornstarch.
• Add and distribute the food coloring evenly.
• Your child could play with the interesting results over the dish or over a large cookie sheet: squeeze, ooze, and puddle!

Discuss: Why does oobleck act this way? The water and cornstarch make a liquid similar to quicksand. Applying force makes it even thicker. 

For more information on oobleck, we recommend this article .

Bonus Experiment: Check out one of our similar activities to make slime!

4.  Watch Fireworks in a Jar

To help your child make their own fireworks in a large Mason or Ball jar, you’ll also need these materials:

• vegetable oil
• 4 colors of liquid food coloring
• small glass bowl or jar
• Fill your large jar ¾ full with warm water.
• Add 4 tbsp. of the oil and 4 drops of each color into the small bowl or jar. With a fork or spoon, mix those slowly to separate.
• Carefully pour the mixture onto the water in the large jar.
• Watch the fireworks display!

Discuss : Why do the oil and water act this way ? As an exploration of liquid density, we find that oil and water don’t mix, even though they’re both liquids. They have different densities because of differences in their molecules. Food coloring acts more like water and will dissolve into the warm water, leaving the oil separate.

5. Skittles Chemistry

All you need for this activity is Skittle candies, water, and several light-colored plates.

Then, follow these instructions:

• Children arrange the candies around the inside edges of the plates in whatever type of patterns they wish.
• Slowly pour water into the middle of each plate until candies are barely covered.
• Watch the intriguing designs that appear.

Discuss: Why does this happen? The candy ingredients, like sugar, dissolve in water. This is a great experiment to discuss the differences between physical and chemical changes. This experiment is showing a physical change – not a chemical change, making it a unique experiment in this list!

6. Make Fake “Snot” (No Tissues Required ! )

This is a science experiment for kids looking to make something “gross!” It would make a great creepy activity around Halloween. And guess what? This snot is also edible!

To make this pretend snot, make sure you have the following items:

• plain gelatin
• boiling water 
• food coloring (optional – if you want some especially icky “greenish” snot!)
• Help your child by bringing ½ cup of water to a boil and pour into a large glass bowl. 
• Add 3 tsp. of plain gelatin. Soften and stir with a fork.
• Add ¼ cup of corn syrup. Stir and watch gunk and strands begin to form.
• Cool and add more water, if needed for desired consistency.

Discuss: Why does this look so much like snot/nasal mucus? The protein in the gelatin and the sugar in the corn syrup form something very similar to the molecules in nasal mucus.

We hope your family loves these chemistry experiments at home too! What are your favorite chemical reactions to observe? We’d love to hear your feedback and favorites in the comments!

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10 Fun Chemistry Demonstrations and Experiments

Chem Demos That Teach and Impress

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From colored fire to magic rocks these 10 chemistry demonstrations , experiments, and activities are sure to wow kids and adults alike. 

Make Colored Fire

Fire is fun. Colored fire is even better. The best part is, the additives for this project are readily available and safe. They generally don't produce smoke that is any better or worse for you than normal smoke. Depending on what you add, the ashes will have a different elemental composition from a normal wood fire, but if you're burning trash or printed material, you have a similar end result. Colored fire is suitable for a home fire or kid's campfire, plus most chemicals are found around the house (even of non-chemists).

Make the Classic Chemical Volcano

The classic volcano is the old-school chemistry lab volcano, which is also known as Vesuvius Fire. The mixture glows and gives off sparks as it decomposes, and makes its own cinder cone of green ash. The compounds used in the classic volcano are toxic, so this is a chemistry lab demonstration and not a great choice for the armchair scientist. It's still cool. It involves fire.

Of course, the  baking soda volcano  is always safe, non-toxic option, too!

It's Easy To Make a Borax Crystal Snowflake

Growing crystals is a terrific way to examine the structure formed when molecules bond together. The borax snowflake is a favorite crystal project.

This is a crystal-growing project that is safe and easy enough for kids. You can make shapes other than snowflakes, and you can color the crystals. As a side note, if you use these as Christmas decorations and store them, the  borax  is a natural insecticide and will help keep your long-term storage area pest-free. If they develop a white precipitant, you can lightly rinse them (don't dissolve too much crystal). These snowflakes are super sparkly!

Make a Borax Crystal Snowflake

Make Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream or Dippin Dots

There are lots of fun chemistry ice cream recipes , but the liquid nitrogen versions are the exciting ones.

It's the quick way to make ice cream, plus, if you use your imagination, you can come up with lots of other fun activities involving liquid nitrogen . It's easier to  get and transport  liquid nitrogen than you might think. Try the basic liquid nitrogen ice cream recipe and then show off your skills by making homemade Dippin' Dots ice cream.

• Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Recipes
• Make Homemade Dippin' Dots

Oscillating Clock Color Change Chemical Reactions

Of all the chemical reactions, the color change reactions may be the most memorable. The oscillating clock reactions get their name because the colors transition between two or more hues as the conditions change.

There are many color-change chemistry reactions, pretty much using acid-base chemistry. The Briggs-Rauscher reactions are nice because the colors oscillate on their own for a long time (clear → amber → blue → repeat). The blue bottle demonstration is similar, and there are other colors you can produce depending  on the pH indicator  you select.

• Briggs-Rauscher Oscillating Clock
• Blue Bottle Color Change Demonstration (blue - clear - blue)
• Christmas Chemistry Demo (green - red - green)
• Hot and Cold Valentine (pink - clear - pink)

There's More Than One Way To Make Slime

You don't need to have esoteric chemicals and a lab to have a good time with chemistry. Yes, your average fourth grader can make slime. It's one of the first chemistry projects many kids try. That doesn't mean it's any less fun when you're older.

Recipes for Making Different Types of Slime

Write Secret Messages With Invisible Ink

Experiment with invisible ink to see how chemical changes affect the color of materials. Most invisible inks work by subtly damaging paper, revealing the message by making the alterations in the paper apparent. Other versions of the ink appear clear until an indicator chemical is applied, which reacts with the ink to make the message appear.

A variation is to make disappearing ink. The ink is a pH indicator that becomes colorless upon reacting with air. You can make the color reappear by applying a basic solution.

• Make Invisible Ink
• Make Disappearing Ink

Make Chemical Cold Packs and Hot Packs

It's fun to mix chemicals together to produce temperature changes. Endothermic reactions are those that absorb energy from their environment, making it colder. Exothermic reactions release heat into the environment, making it hotter.

One of the easiest endothermic reactions you can try is mixing water with potassium chloride, which is used as a salt substitute. A simple exothermic reaction you can try is mixing water with laundry detergent . There are many more examples, some much colder and hotter than these.

• Endothermic (Cold Pack) Reactions To Try
• Steel Wool Exothermic Reaction
• Hot Ice Exothermic (Hot Pack) Reaction

Make a Smoke Bomb and Colored Smoke

Chemical reactions are the basis for many "magic" tricks, pranks, and fireworks. One impressive chemistry project, which can be used for tricks or celebrations, is making and lighting smoke bombs.

A smoke bomb is a good introduction to pyrotechnics because it does not explode. It doesn't produce a lot of fire. It does give off copious amounts of smoke, so it's best to light your chemical masterpiece outdoors.

• Classic Smoke Bomb Recipe
• No-Cook Smoke Bomb Recipe
• Make Colored Smoke

Grow a Chemical Garden With Magic Rocks

This is the classic chemical garden or crystal garden, though it's more about precipitation than crystallization.Metal salts react  with sodium silicate  to form fanciful waxy-looking towers.

There are many inexpensive Magic Rocks kits for sale in stores and online, plus you can make Magic Rocks yourself with a few simple chemicals.

• Make Homemade Magic Rocks
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Simple Chemical Change Experiments for 4th Graders

5th Grade Chemical Change Activity

Fourth graders, like most younger students, find chemical change experiments especially intriguing. Watching substances change and learning the science behind the change is a high-interest activity for the science classroom. Physical change occurs when substances change but retain their identity. However, with chemical change, the substances change and become something else.

Dissolving in Vinegar

To do this experiment, you need the egg shell from a hard-boiled egg, a calcium tablet from an oyster shell, vinegar, water, white chalk, a tablespoon made of metal, two straws and two small cups. Draw a chart on a paper and make three rows across for the eggshell, chalk and calcium tablet, and two rows down, one for water and one for vinegar. Take a sample of the chalk, tablet and eggshell and crush it with the back of the metal tablespoon in the spot on the chart where it's indicated. Place a few drops of water of each sample in the water row, using the straw. Observe any changes. Next, do the same in the vinegar row with a few drops of vinegar and observe changes. Explain that vinegar is actually acetic acid, and when combined with calcium carbonate, they come apart and form new chemicals.

Chemical Bubbles

Show students how a chemical change can yield bubbles. Label one plastic cup baking soda and the other vinegar. Pour three tablespoons of vinegar and three tablespoons of water in the cup labeled vinegar. Pour the solution into a clean, plastic soda bottle and add a one-quarter teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. Swirl carefully but do not shake. Tape a funnel made out of paper. Place three tablespoons of baking soda into the appropriately labeled cup, then use the paper funnel to pour the baking soda all at once into the soda bottle. Swirl the mixture and observe what happens. Explain that in the chemical change, you created carbon dioxide gas, water and sodium acetate.

For an extra-appealing experiment on chemical change for your fourth-grade class, make some slime. To do this experiment, you'll mix white glue, but not the washable kind, and an equal amount of water. In another container, combine two tablespoons of Borax with a cup of water. Borax is found in the laundry section of stores. Add a few tablespoons of the Borax solution to the glue solution and quickly mix them together. Watch as the chemical change results in some delightfully gooey slime.

Fourth graders will enjoy the messy chemical change that results from this Glop experiment. It's simple and takes items easily available: cornstarch and water. Simply mix together equal amounts of those two items and watch the chemical change. Try to get children to determine what type of substance it is — a solid or liquid. It is actually in a state between and therefore, is hard to handle or describe but quite fun to play with.

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Examples Of Chemical Change

What is a chemical change? Learn how to identify a chemical change vs. a physical change with a simple definition and everyday examples and free printable chemistry activities.

What Is A Chemical Change?

Chemical changes occur when substances react to form new substances with different chemical and physical properties to the original substances. This reaction is called a chemical reaction and changes in energy, color, and other physical properties characterize it.

One example of a chemical change is when iron reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide, also known as rust. Rust has different properties than iron: it is a different color and more brittle.

Another example of a chemical change is the reaction of baking soda and vinegar, which produces carbon dioxide gas and a new substance, sodium acetate.

Chemical changes can also be identified by energy changes, such as heat or light being released or absorbed during the reaction. This is why chemical reactions are often accompanied by heat or light.

Chemical vs Physical Change

What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical change? A change in shape or form can identify a physical change, however, it doesn’t undergo a chemical process to become a new substance.

💡 Learn more about physical changes here.

Often physical changes are reversible; think of ice melting to form a liquid and then frozen again to form solid ice, as in our Solid, Liquid, Gas experiment. Chemical changes are irreversible, therefore, they cannot be easily undone.

Typically you can tell that a chemical change has occurred by looking for one or more of these indicators…

• Color change
• Change in appearance
• Odor produced
• Gas produced
• Heat produced
• Heat absorbed
• Light emitted

Is boiling water a chemical change?

When you boil water, the liquid water molecules change to gaseous water molecules, and evaporate into the air. Can this change be easily reversed? Has a new substance formed? Well no! Gaseous water is the same as liquid water, it is simply a different state of matter . If you were to place a lid on top of the boiling water, you would see the gas condense back into liquid.

Is frying an egg a chemical change?

Cooking an egg for breakfast, that runny egg white and yolk change to a solid egg. You will notice the clear egg white also changes to a white color. The heat from frying the egg has caused a chemical change to occur. It changes the structure of the egg’s protein in a process called denaturing. The change is permanent!

Everyday Examples Of Chemical Changes

Here are 15 everyday examples of chemical changes. Can you think of any more?

• Burning wood
• Baking a cake
• Frying a steak
• Boiling an egg
• Burning a candle
• Lighting a match
• Rusting nails
• Washing hands with soap
• Fermentation
• Souring milk
• Photosynthesis
• Digesting food
• Banana rotting
• Chemical batteries
• Running a lawn mower

FREE Chemical Change Guide to get started!

Share examples of chemical changes and the fun science behind them with this free printable chemical changes guide.

💡 Our chemistry experiments will teach you about chemical reactions, acids and bases, solutions, crystals, and more! All with easy household supplies!

Chemical Change Experiments

Here are some fun examples of chemical changes in experiments that use everyday household items. What could be easier? Think baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, Alka Seltzer tablets, and more!

Alka Seltzer Rocket

Use the chemical reaction that happens when you add an Alka Seltzer tablet to water to make this cool DIY Alka Seltzer rocket.

Apple Browning Experiment

Why do apples turn brown? It is all to do with a chemical change when the cut part of the apple reacts with air.

Balloon Experiment

Use a classic baking soda and vinegar reaction to inflate a balloon.

Make homemade bath bombs for a fun chemical change in your bath. Try our Christmas bath bomb recipe , LEGO bath bombs or make Halloween bath bombs . The base ingredients are the same, citric acid and baking soda.

Baking Powder Science

Find out what happens to baking powder when you add water. Here is a simple chemical reaction that you use in baking.

Bottle Rocket

Turn a simple water bottle into a DIY water bottle rocket using a baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction.

Bread In A Bag

A fun chemical reaction you can eat! The chemical change is in the dough, notice what it looks like raw and then cooked. Follow our bread in a bag recipe for a fun treat the kids are sure to enjoy!

Citric Acid Experiment

Grab some oranges, lemons, and baking soda to experiment with citric chemical reactions! Or just check out this lemon volcano .

Cranberry Experiment

What happens when you add baking soda to cranberry and lemon juice? Lots of fizzing action, of course!

Egg In Vinegar

Can you make a naked egg? Observe how a chemical reaction between calcium carbonate (eggshell) and vinegar makes for a bouncy egg.

Elephant Toothpaste

Kids of all ages will love this exothermic chemical reaction using hydrogen peroxide and yeast. Not only does it produce a lot of froth when the ingredients combine together. Hence the name! The reaction also produces heat.

Green Pennies

Explore how the patina of pennies forms from a chemical reaction. Try this fun penny experiment!

Invisible Ink

Write a message that no one else can see until the ink is revealed. Find out how to make your own invisible ink that is revealed with a simple chemical reaction.

Lava Lamp Experiment

This oil and water experiment does involve a bit of physics but it also includes a fun Alka Seltzer reaction!

Milk And Vinegar

Kids will be amazed by the transformation of a couple of common household ingredients, milk and vinegar, into a moldable, durable piece of a plastic-like substance.

Popping Bags

You will want to take this fun experiment outside! Try bursting bags with only a baking soda and vinegar reaction.

Potato Battery

Light a bulb using a potato and some zinc and copper nails, and learn about chemical reactions and circuits.

Making slime has to be one of the most fun examples of a chemical change. Watch how 2 ingredients, glue and saline solution (slime activator) becomes an amazing goopy, stretchy, slimy substance.

Yeast Fermentation

Investigate how quickly yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the absence of oxygen when you add different types of sugar to yeast (fermentation).

Make a homemade volcano project with salt dough and baking soda and vinegar reaction . Of course, there is so many more ways to have fun with baking soda and vinegar volcano.

• Sand Box Volcano
• Pumpkin Volcano
• Lego Volcano
• Apple Volcano
• Slime Volcano
• Snow Volcano

More Helpful Science Resources

Here are a few resources to help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocab
• 8 Science Books for Kids
• What Is A Scientist
• Science Supplies List
• Science Tools for Kids

Science Experiments By Age Group

We’ve put together a few separate resources for different age groups, but remember that many experiments will cross over and can be re-tried at several different age levels. Younger kiddos can enjoy the simplicity and hands-on fun. At the same time, you can talk back and forth about what is happening.

As kiddos get older, they can bring more complexity to the experiments, including using the scientific method , developing hypotheses, exploring variables , creating different tests, and writing conclusions from analyzing data.

• Science for Toddlers
• Science for Preschoolers
• Science for Kindergarten
• Science for Early Elementary Grades
• Science for 3rd Grade
• Science for Middle School

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

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8 Simple Chemistry Experiments That Your Kids Can Do at Home

Chemistry is a fascinating subject. And what better way to learn than through science experiments?

Here are 8 hands-on science experiments for kids over the school holiday. These experiments are great for older children, or with assistance from mum or dad. They can be done at home with ingredients you already have on hand.

So pick an experiment, and grab your lab coats to get started!

1. Cabbage chemistry

2. lolly fountain, 3. bath bombs, 5. rubber egg, 6. crystals, 8. snot slime, cabbage chemistry.

Follow these instructions to learn about acids and bases using red cabbage.

Safety: This activity requires the use of a knife, poisonous chemicals and hot water. Ask an adult to assist you. Always follow the safety advice on the products you are using.

You will need

• fresh red cabbage
• sharp knife
• cutting board
• hot tap water
• 7 clear plastic disposable cups
• 7 plastic spoons
• large plastic bottle
• strongly acidic, e.g. powdered toilet cleaner
• acidic, e.g. vinegar, lemon juice, white wine, lemonade or citric acid
• weakly acidic, e.g. cream of tartar
• neutral, e.g. pure water, shampoo or baby shampoo
• slightly basic, e.g. bicarbonate soda
• basic, e.g. milk of magnesia, washing soda or floor cleaner
• strongly basic, e.g. dishwasher liquid or powder
• Using a sharp knife and cutting board, finely slice three or four red cabbage leaves.
• Place the cabbage leaves in the plastic bottle, half fill the bottle with hot water and screw the lid on tightly.
• Shake the bottle for a few minutes until the water becomes a deep purple colour. Leave the solution to cool.
• Strain the solution and add sufficient water to the solution to make about 1 L.
• In each of the cups, place a small amount of one of the above household substances in the following order: strongly acidic; acidic; slightly acidic; neutral; slightly basic; basic and strongly basic.
• Now half fill each cup with the red cabbage water and stir the solution. If arranged in order, the jars should display a spectrum of colours from cherry red (strongly acidic), pink-red (acidic), lilac (slightly acidic), purple (neutral), blue (slightly basic), green (basic) and yellow (strongly basic).

What’s happening

The things we eat and drink are all acidic, and the things we use for cleaning are basic. This is because basic substances taste unpleasant, but a cleaning agent usually needs to be basic to remove dirt and grease.

Substances that are acidic or basic make the eyes sting, so baby shampoo is made neutral.

Acids are a very common group of chemical compounds, many of which occur naturally. Acids can be strong or weak.

Citric acid, which occurs naturally in lemons, is a weak acid. Hydrochloric acid (used for soldering) and sulfuric acid (battery acid) are very strong acids.

Bases (often called alkalis) are another group of chemical compounds that have different chemical properties from acids. When bases and acids are added together, they will neutralise each other’s properties.

We describe whether things are acidic, basic or neutral by using a scale called the pH scale. The pH scale ranges from zero to 14. A substance with a pH of:

• 0 is a very strong acid
• 3 – 5 is a weak acid
• 7 is neutral
• 8 – 9 is a weak base
• 13 – 14 is a very strong base.

Pure water has a pH of seven and is regarded as neutral.

Acids and bases can be detected by a group of chemical compounds called acid-base indicators. One of the first known naturally occurring indicators was a type of lichen called litmus. (Lichens are plant-like growths that are often found on rocks and tree bark.) Litmus turns red in the presence of an acid or blue with a base.

Most indicators used today to detect acids and bases are man-made. However, many plant pigments, such as the red cabbage you used, contain chemicals that act as acid-base indicators.

Looking for more science resources?

There are over 120 science e-books in the reading eggs library to read and explore., lolly/candy fountain.

Learn more about gases by creating a soft drink fountain using lollies/sweets. What a sweet way to find out more about chemistry!

• Roll of lollies/sweets (mint lollies/sweets work well)
• 2 L bottle of soft drink
• Piece of paper or a tube for the lollies/sweets
• Outdoor area

Do this activity in an outdoor area.

• Open the bottle of soft drink and place the bottle on the ground so it will not tip over.
• Roll up the paper into a cylinder that’s just wide enough for the lollies to slide through.
• Put your finger over the bottom of the roll and ask your friend to put the lollies into the paper tube.
• Hold the tube of lollies just above the bottle and remove your finger so all the lollies drop straight in. You need to drop all the lollies into the bottle at the same time.
• As soon as you have done that, move away from the bottle as quickly as possible.
• Diet soft drink works just as well and is less sticky to clean up as it contains no sugar.
• Orange soft drink doesn’t always work. Neither does Solo as it is light on fizz.
• Experiment with different types of lollies – Kool Mints were used in this activity. Try Mentos or other sugar coated lollies.
• Experiment with the soft drink at room temperature or from the fridge.

What’s happening?

Soft drink is bubbly because carbon dioxide gas has been forced into the bottle under pressure.

Until you open the bottle, the gas mostly stays dissolved in the liquid and cannot expand to form bubbles, which the gas will do when not under pressure.

If you shake the bottle and then open it, the gas escapes with a whoosh, taking some of the soft drink along with it. Adding anything to a soft drink enables more bubbles to form and escape.

Try stirring soft drink with a spoon – it gets less fizzy.

The lollies provide lots of surface area very quickly, which means the bubbles of gas form very rapidly in huge numbers.

You need non-smooth surfaces to enable the gas to form.

Both sand and sugar have the same effect when dropped in soft drink.

When you look at a glass of soft drink, there are normally just a few streams of bubbles coming off specific points on the glass where the surface is uneven.

Sometimes you see a stream of bubbles coming from the middle and if you look carefully you can often see a piece of dust with bubbles coming off its end.

The place where the bubbles start to form is called the centre of nucleation.

As the lolly dissolves, it forms hundreds of nucleation points which are tiny pits on the surface of the lolly where more carbon dioxide bubbles can form.

When all this gas is released, it thrusts the entire contents of the bottle skyward, in an incredible soft drink blast.

Make your own bath bombs

Follow these instructions to make your own bath bombs and learn about science while having fun in the bath!

• food colouring/coloring
• flower petals or body glitter
• sweet almond oil
• scented oil such as lavender oil
• 10 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda
• 3 tablespoons of citric acid
• 2 large mixing bowls
• 1 large muffin tray
• 1 small glass jar
• rubber gloves
• Grease the sides and bases of a large muffin tray with a small amount of almond oil.
• Place the citric acid and bicarbonate of soda into a large bowl. Mix the ingredients together well, to form the base mixture.
• Scoop out about half a cup of this mixture and put it in into another bowl. This will make about one or two bath bombs (depending on the size of the holes in your muffin tray). You could also use old plastic containers or anything that will hold a shape.
• Add the flower petals or body glitter to the base mixture.
• In the small glass jar, mix together 6 drops of your scented oil, 5 teaspoons of sweet almond oil and about 10 drops of food colouring.
• Gradually pour the oil mixture into the half cup of the base mixture. While wearing rubber gloves, quickly mix it all together. The mixture is ready when it stays together in your hands without crumbling too much.
• Spoon the mixture into the muffin tray. Press it down firmly.
• You can use the rest of the mixture with other types of scented oil or food colouring to make more bath bombs.
• Leave the bombs in the tray to set for a few days.
• Carefully up-end your bath bombs to remove them from the moulds.
• Run a bath, hop in and drop a bomb. Watch it fizzzzzz!

What’s happening?

When the bath bomb dissolves in water, there is a chemical reaction between the citric acid and the sodium bicarbonate. The result is called sodium citrate. During the reaction, carbon dioxide is released. This causes the ‘fizzing’ that you see, similar to that in carbonated water.

The sweet almond oil is released during this reaction. It will form a thin layer on your skin which can help to moisturise/moisturize it. The lavender oil is for fragrance.

Wait, there’s more science experiment books in the Reading Eggs Library!

How to make sherbet.

Follow these instructions to create an acid-base reaction in your mouth!

• icing sugar
• citric acid
• bicarbonate soda
• flavored/flavoured jelly crystals
• dessert spoon
• small mixing bowl
• small snap lock bag.

To make sherbet you will need to:

• add 1 level teaspoon of citric acid crystals to the bowl
• add 1 level teaspoon of bicarbonate soda to the bowl
• now add 3 heaped dessert spoons of icing sugar
• add at least 2 level dessert spoons of jelly crystals (or more to taste)
• place a small amount, about half a teaspoon on your tongue
• after tasting you may need to vary the ingredients. If it is too bitter add more sugar, if there isn’t enough fizz you may need to add either bicarbonate soda or citric acid. Make sure you add only in small amounts, remember you can always add more but it is very hard to remove some.

You have just created an acid-base reaction in your mouth. When you combine an acid (in this activity the citric acid) and an alkaline (the bicarbonate soda) with saliva they mix together to create a gas in the form of lots of tiny bubbles.

This is called an acid-based reaction and it’s what gives sherbet its fizz. You are actually feeling the sensation of carbon dioxide bubbles on your tongue. These are the same bubbles that are in fizzy drinks.

The icing sugar is needed to add sweetness as the citric acid and bicarbonate soda are quite sour. Citric acid is one of the acids found in lemons, oranges and limes. That is why they are called ‘citric fruit’.

The other acid in lemons and other citric fruit is called ascorbic acid. This is commonly known as vitamin C. The jelly crystals simply add flavour.

Follow these instructions to make an egg bounce while learning about chemical reactions.

• hard-boiled egg, with shell on
• glass of vinegar.

To make your eggs bounce you will need to:

• Put the egg into the vinegar – you should see bubbles start to form on the egg.
• Leave the egg undisturbed for at least a day. You should see some wonderful scum form.
• Take the egg out of the vinegar and rinse it with water. The shell will rub off.
• Give the egg a poke with your finger and squeeze it gently.

Vinegar, or dilute acetic acid, ‘eats up’ the calcium carbonate in the egg shell, just leaving the inner membrane, or skin, of the egg behind. As the calcium carbonate is responsible for making the shell hard, the vinegar soaked egg feels soft and rubbery.

When calcium carbonate (the egg shell) and acetic acid (the vinegar) combine, a chemical reaction takes place and carbon dioxide gas is released. That’s why you see the bubbles.

The chemical reaction keeps happening for about a day until all of the calcium carbonate in the egg is used up. Calcium carbonate is in eggshells, seashells, limestone, and many other materials.

Let’s have a closer look at the chemical reaction. Calcium carbonate’s formula is CaCO 3 and acetic acid is CH 2 COOH.

So the reaction is: CaCO 3 + CH 2 COOH -> Ca 2+ (in the form of a salt) + H 2 O + 2CO 2 .

The calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) float free in the solution. Ions are atoms or molecules that have an electric charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.

Applications

Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is largely made of calcium carbonate. It is ordinarily white, but may be coloured by impurities; iron oxide making it brown, yellow, or red and carbon making it blue, black, or grey. The texture varies from coarse to fine.

Most limestones are formed over thousands of years from the skeletons of marine invertebrates. Among the important varieties of limestone are marl, chalk, oolite, travertine, dolomite, and marble.

Acid rain causes reactions like the ones in this activity. One kind of acid rain can come from air pollution caused by burning fuels that have sulfur atoms, which when burnt produce sulphur dioxide gas.

When the sulfur dioxide mixes in with rain, it turns to weak sulfuric acid. When the acid rain hits the limestone it slowly makes it fall apart, like the egg shell did. People use limestone in buildings and statues.

This is why over time, buildings and statues are being damaged by acid rain.

If you collect small rock samples and drop them in vinegar, you may see bubbles appear, like they did on the egg. The presence of bubbles indicates that calcium carbonate may be present in the sample.

Calcium carbonate reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, which we observe as bubbles. This is called the ‘acid test’. The ‘acid test’ is one of many tests that geologists use to determine the identity of a rock sample.

Creating Crystals

• Bicarbonate soda
• 3 eye-droppers
• 3 plastic containers or bowls
• Measuring cup
• 3 small plastic cups
• Label the containers ‘sugar’, ‘salt’ and ‘bi-carb’.
• Pour half a cup of warm water into the container labelled ‘sugar’.
• Add a spoonful of sugar to the water and stir until dissolved. Keep adding sugar until no more will dissolve.
• Repeat Steps 2 and 3, but with the salt instead of sugar.
• Again repeat Steps 2 and 3, but this time with bi-carb soda instead of sugar or salt.
• Label the small plastic cups ‘sugar’, ‘salt’ and ‘bi-carb’.
• Use separate eye-droppers to put a few drops of each container’s solution into the matching cup.
• Place the cups in a warm, sunny place and leave them until the liquid has evaporated. What do you see?

You can try this activity with other crystalline substances as well.

When a solid (or ‘solute’) is dissolved in the water until no more dissolves, the solution is ‘saturated’. The amount of substance that dissolves in water increases with temperature. As the solution cools back down to room temperature, there is now more solute in the water than would normally be the case – the solution is ‘supersaturated’.

As the water evaporates, the solute precipitates out of solution in the form of crystals. This is an example of crystallisation. You will notice that each precipitate forms slightly different crystals: they might be different in size and shape. The size and shape of a crystal depend on a number of factors including chemical formula, temperature and pressure. In general, crystals that form slowly tend to be larger than crystals that form quickly.

• Food colouring
• Small mixing bowl
• Plastic spoon
• Pour some cornflour into a mixing bowl.
• Stir in small amounts of water until the cornflour has become a very thick paste.
• To make the slime the colour of your choice, thoroughly stir about five drops of food colouring into the mixture.
• Stir your slime REALLY slowly. This shouldn’t be hard to do.
• Stir your slime REALLY fast. This should be almost impossible.
• Now punch your slime REALLY hard and fast. It should feel like you’re punching a solid.

You can keep your cornflour and water mixture covered in a fridge for several days. If the cornflour settles, you need to stir it to make it work well again.

Anything that flows is called a fluid. This means that both gases and liquids are fluids.

Fluids like water which flow easily are said to have low viscosity, whereas fluids like cold honey which do not flow so easily are said to have a high viscosity.

Cornflour slime is a special type of fluid that doesn’t follow the usual rules of fluid behaviour. When a pressure is applied to slime, its viscosity increases and the cornflour slime becomes thicker.

At a certain point, slime actually seems to lose its flow and behave like a solid. Cornflour slime is an example of a shear-thickening fluid.

The opposite happens in shear-thinning fluids; they get runnier when you stir them or shake them up. For example, when toothpaste is sitting on a toothbrush it is pretty thick, so you can turn the toothbrush upside down and the toothpaste doesn’t fall off.

But if it was that thick when you tried to squeeze it out of the tube, there is no way you could manage it. Fortunately, toothpaste gets runnier when you are squeezing it out of the tube. Other shear-thinning fluids include:

• ballpoint pen ink
• nail polish

Although there are lots of shear-thinning and shear-thickening fluids, nobody has a really good idea why they behave the way they do.

The interactions between atoms in the fluids are so complicated that even the world’s most powerful supercomputers can not model what is happening. This can be a real problem for people who design machinery that involves shear-thinning fluids, because it makes it hard to be sure if they will work.

• 1 tablespoon of unflavoured gelatine (from supermarkets)
• ½ cup golden syrup or glucose
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• Heat-proof bowl
• Place the gelatine and salt in your bowl.
• Add ½ cup of syrup.
• Add ½ cup of hot water. Now is the time to add food colouring if you want icky green or yellow coloured snot.
• Mix every thing together and cool in a fridge for 30 minutes.
• Run a fork through the snotty mixture to see what it looks like. Your mucus will get thicker and thicker as it cools, if it is too thick, you can add more water.

You have just made a realistic model of your very own snot. Mucus is composed of water, epithelial (surface) cells, dead leukocytes (white blood cells), mucins (large proteins), and inorganic salts. Your home made mucus contains water, salt and proteins (gelatine is animal protein, usually made from beef or pig skin and hooves), almost like real mucus.

The gelatine dissolves in hot water making a thick solution, but is insoluble (won’t dissolve) in cold water. When cooled, the particles swell to make jelly-like goo.

Mucus has an important role to play in your body. In your nose it traps dust and anything else unwanted in the air. Mucus dries around particles which harden and this means it can take a quick exit out of your body when you blow your nose.

It’s your mucous membrane that makes snot, and this lines the inside of your nose and respiratory system. The outermost cells of this membrane produce the thick mucus fluid.

You may think that mucus is only found in your nose, but did you know that you also find it in your mouth, lungs, stomach and intestines!

When you get a common cold, an infection in your upper respiratory tract, your body produces loads more mucus than normal to carry away waste material. When sick, your mucus can change colour/color to yellow or green because of trapped bacteria, virus particles and white blood cells – the causalities of your body fighting the viral or bacterial infection.

Reference: These experiments are from our partners at CSIRO.

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