baking soda and pop experiment

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

Pop Rocks and Soda Experiment

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

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

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

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

Supplies need for this pop rocks and soda experiment

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

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

How does the pop rocks and soda experiment work?

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

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

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

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

How to do the pop rocks and soda experiment

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

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

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

Open the two soda bottles.

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

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

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

Watch as the balloon expands.

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

Follow Up Pop Rocks Experiment Questions for the Kids

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

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

More Fun Science Activities for Kids

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

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

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Top 16 Baking Soda Science Experiments

Are you looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids or students? Look no further than baking soda experiments!

Baking soda is a versatile substance that can be used for a variety of scientific experiments. Its ability to react, dissolve, and transform provides a rich ground for understanding fundamental chemical concepts.

From witnessing a homemade volcano erupt to observing the intriguing process of crystallization, baking soda makes science both accessible and exciting.

These hands-on experiments are perfect for both kids and adults and will provide hours of entertainment and learning. So, grab your baking soda, and let’s get started.

Baking Soda Science Experiments with Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are two common household items that can be combined in a variety of experiments to create exciting reactions.

1. Baking Soda Volcano

The baking soda volcano experiment is a popular scientific experiment that has long been the pick of kids as well as adults.

This experiment resembles a volcanic eruption while explaining the chemical reaction that takes place when vinegar and baking soda are mixed.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar-Balloon Experiment

This experiment is perfect for kids of all ages, from preschoolers to middle schoolers, and can be easily modified to suit different age groups and learning levels.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational activity that will spark your child’s curiosity in science, give the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment a try!

3. Lava Lamp

The Lava Lamp Experiment is a fun and engaging activity that allows students to learn about the science of density and buoyancy while also creating a groovy decoration for their room.

This activity encourages creativity, critical thinking, and scientific exploration in a fun and accessible way.

 4. Baking Soda and Vinegar Car

An exclusive experiment that blends science, engineering, and imagination is the Baking Soda and Vinegar Steam Car Experiment.

Students can create their own small steam car using common household items that is powered by the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda.

5. Bright as a New Penny

Through this experiment, students will learn about the chemical reactions that occur between the copper in the penny and the substances in the solution, and how these reactions can cause the penny to change color.

6. The Exploding Lunch Bag 

Through this experiment, students will learn about the principles of gas production, pressure, and chemical reactions, while also having fun and engaging in hands-on learning.

7. Hidden Colors 

In this experiment, students will create a solution using baking soda, water, and food coloring, then use vinegar to reveal the hidden colors in the solution.

Learn more: Hidden Colors

8. Rainbow Eruption

Through this experiment, students will learn about the principles of chemical reactions, gas production, and acid-base interactions.

Rainbow Eruption is a simple and exciting experiment that can be enjoyed by students of all ages and can help them develop a love for science and learning.

Learn more: Rainbow Eruption

9. Baking Soda and Vinegar Fireworks

While Baking Soda and Vinegar Fireworks may not create an actual fireworks display, it is still a fascinating and exciting experiment that can help students understand the science behind chemical reactions.

10. Baking Soda & Vinegar Rocket

In this experiment, students will create a simple rocket using a plastic bottle, baking soda, vinegar, and some optional materials such as fins or decorations.

11. Make Fizzy Surprise Dinosaur Eggs

In this experiment, students will create “dinosaur eggs” using baking soda, food coloring, and water, and then hide a small toy or object inside.

They will then cover the eggs with vinegar, causing a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas and causes the eggs to fizz and dissolve, revealing the hidden object inside.

12. Fizzy Painting

This activity can be easily adapted to challenge students of different ages and skill levels, from experimenting with different colors and textures to exploring the effects of adding different amounts of baking soda or vinegar.

More Baking Soda Experiments

13. colorful lemon experiment.

By mixing lemon juice and baking soda together, students can observe a bubbling reaction that produces carbon colorful-lemony solution.

14. Honeycomb Chemistry Candy

In this experiment, students will create their honeycomb candy using sugar, honey, and baking soda.

Learn More: Honeycomb Chemistry Candy Recipe

15. Crystal Growing Experiment

The crystal growing experiment using baking soda is an engaging and educational activity that allows students to learn about the science of crystal formation.

16. Super Glue and Baking Soda

Important scientific concepts, such chemical reactions and the characteristics of various materials, can be taught through the use of these experiments.

The baking soda and super glue experiments can be interesting and educational and might even be useful in real life.

Similar Posts:

• Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• Discover Your Learning Style – Comprehensive Guide on Different Learning Styles

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Fizz, bubble & pop experimenting with vinegar + baking soda.

50 comments:

FANTASTIC! I hope I don't wait a year to do this. I will do this! (-:

oooh thats looks fantastic! I can't wait to see what else you have come up with! Emma @sciencesparks

Adding the colors make the effect so much neater. Especially since its hidden under the baking soda. Very cool. From Playtime hop. Veronica @ http://watchmeplaynlearn.blogspot.com/2012/01/sensory-beads.html

The 1st one was priceless when they saw it change color. After that, it was hilarious to see them trying to guess what color it would be. Thanks for stopping by.

Love the pic of your daughter's face when she sees the first one! Totally priceless. We had fun doing this for the 30 Days To Hands On Play challenge, but didn't add the food coloring - the kids will love this one! Thanks for sharing :-)

Wow! What fabulous expressions!!! Definitely priceless. What fun fun fun!!!!! We need to start doing some experiments! Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty! Maggy

Oh this looks fun, kiddo would love this. Bookmarking for our To Play list!

It's a great one to just explore and have fun with. Kids love the reaction and it's easy for them to do.

We did this too last year and it was soooo much fun!!! I haven't done this with my class this year yet! On our list to do!!

So much fun! We did this without the colors (love that addition) and it will be posted Monday. Kids love science! Vicky from Mess For Less

Soooo cool! I think I would make my next week's lesson plans from your super creative posts!! Thanks so much for sharing all your creativity with all of us =-) Beth (TGIF)

I love this and look forward to trying it. My little one will be thrilled with this activity!

Fun fun fun!! I love the colors. Thanks for sharing at AfterSchool.

Such fun, visual science! Thanks for linking up to Afterschool =)

I've never seen that done with added color. Very cool idea! And i love how you hid the color on the spoon.

This is so clever, especially adding the colors. Thank you for sharing. :) We will be trying this one out. fun fun. Enjoy your day.

Ps. I starting following along.

nice to have you with us. I hope you get to try the experiment & enjoy it. This one was super easy and fun

Ooohhhh, great idea to hide the food dye. Thanks for linking up to Science Sunday!

Thanks for posting this! My kids loved it!

so glad they enjoyed it. It is a cool one for kids to do & see!

Oh, how fun! I love adding color to this experiment. The photos are priceless!

Oh, how fun!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!

my boys are really in to these bi carb and vinegar experiments at the mo. we have been adding lots of science to our blog recently! Like the idea of this too. will be letting him try this one too! Thanks for sharing xx

Great pics ...you really had a great science exploration week!

We did this this morning and really enjoyed it. Thank you! You have some really neat ideas and it is joy to see what you are upto. Only a few things work for my own children sonce they are older--but the ideas that are for the younger children I file for future use with my daycare children. I ran a daycare for 11 years and am closed to spend time with my own family for awhile. Thanks again.

thanks for the wonderful ideas for kids. My kids are going to love trying this. I am happy to be your newest follower. When you get a chance check out my food blog www.questfordelish.blogspot.com

Love it. I run a home daycare and will be doing this tomorrow with the kids. Thank you, Dawn

Wow so much cool FUN! I LOVE when learning and fun become one!!!

im 75 now but my brother and I used to do this and we called it homemade soda pop, lol

i say add some hard boiled eggs and color them.....double duty!!!

The expression spoke volumes. We had a major disaster today with my son's fancy volcano science kit...nothing happened. Tomorrow I'm breaking out the baking soda and vinegar to give the eruption real oomph!

Just stopping by to let you know that I've featured your craft on Family Fun Crafts! You can see it here: http://funfamilycrafts.com/fizz-bubble-pop-science-experiment/ If you have other kid friendly crafts, I'd love it if you would submit them. :) If you would like to display a featured button on your site, you can grab one from the right side bar of your post above.

going to do this tonight. Thanks for the idea. My kids are going to be so amazed. They are 4 and 2!

We love baking soda and vinegar at our house! My 3-year old calls it his 'science experiments'. Always fun to see their reactions!

amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;:):):)

Just did this with my 4 kiddos ages 8-12. Got a different reaction from each of them. My 8 year old surprised me the most by wanting to mix colors after the fact to see what new colors she could achieve. She amazed herself by making a brown that resembled root-beer. Thanks for the great ideas.

very cool, it's wonderful when they just "go" with something and let their curiosity take them places, isn't it?

I'm a preschool teacher and we do this often. Another extension is to use different flavors of koolaid. It doesn't change the reaction, but the smell. We give the children a small cup with vinegar, a dropper, one with baking soda and another with a package of koolaid, a spoon and let them explore.This is great in a 6 count muffin pan so they have 6 different sections to have reactions. Also, for a different activity, we use a baking dish, like a 9x13 and pour an inch of baking soda on the bottom and give them colored vinegar and droppers. Tons of fun!

Oh, we have done the kool-aid & my girls LOVE it! It is fun - I hid the colors under some baking soda and made them guess the flavor once they got their eruption. It was lots of fun. I shared it on the blog here - http://www.momto2poshlildivas.com/2012/09/science-fun-scented-vinegar-and-baking.html

http://www.aidenandmaya.blogspot.com/2013/03/fizz-bubble-and-pop-experimenting-with.html Thanks for the inspiration!!

Hi what can they do with the mixture afterwards? I feel its such a waste of so much vinegar :(

Found this on Pinterest - Worked awesome for my group of 4 little boys- all 5 years old. They squealed every time it flowed over!! Definitely a good idea to have the deep pans. I'd also recommend getting the big gallon jug of white vinegar at Walmart. After we were done "exploding," we mixed the colors together and predicted what colors it would make. Thanks!!

I can wait to try this experiment with my preschoolers , it looks so much fun, thank you.

wow I wanna try this!

This is so interesting! We did it a few years ago and the children were ecstatic! Soda and vinegar have many great experiments. Visit: Professional Law Assignment Help

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Bubble Bomb

What do i need.

• measuring cup
• zipper-lock plastic sandwich bags
• paper towel
• baking soda

What do I do?

Figure out where you want to explode your Bubble Bomb. Sometimes the bags make a mess when they pop, so you may want to experiment outside. If it's a rainy day, you can explode your Bubble Bombs in the bathtub or sink.

It's very important to use a bag without holes. To test the zipper-lock bag, put about half a cup of water into it. Zip it closed and turn it upside down. If no water leaks out, you can use that bag. Unzip it and pour out the water. If the bag leaks, try another one. Keep testing bags until you find one that doesn't leak.

Tear a paper towel into a square that measures about 5 inches by 5 inches. Put 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking soda in the center of the square, then fold the square as shown in the picture, with the baking soda inside. This is your "time-release packet."

Pour into your plastic bag: 1/2 cup of vinegar 1/4 cup of warm water

Now here's the tricky part. You need to drop the time-release packet into the vinegar and zip the bag closed before the fizzing gets out of control. You can zip the bag halfway closed, then stuff the packet in and zip the bag closed the rest of the way in a hurry. Or you can put the time-release packet into the mouth of the bag and hold it up out of the vinegar by pinching the sides of the bag. Zip the bag closed and then let the packet drop into the vinegar. One way or another, get the packet in the vinegar and zip the bag closed.

Shake the bag a little, put it in the sink or on the ground, and stand back! The bag will puff up dramatically and pop with a bang.

What's Going On?

Why does the bubble bomb explode.

The bubbles in the Bubble Bomb are filled with carbon dioxide, a gas that forms when the vinegar (an acid) reacts with the baking soda (a base).

If you've ever made a cake or baked a loaf of quick bread (the kind that doesn't use yeast), you've already done some experimenting with the bubbles that come from an acid-base reaction. Most cakes and quick breads rise because of bubbles in their batter. Those bubbles, like the ones in your Bubble Bomb, are created by the chemical reaction of an acid and a base.

Take a look at a recipe for quick bread. If the recipe includes baking soda but no baking powder, it will probably also include an ingredient that's acidic-such as buttermilk, sour milk, or orange juice.

Quick-bread recipes may call for baking powder in addition to or instead of baking soda. Baking powder is made by combining baking soda with an acidic ingredient, such as tartaric acid or calcium acid phosphate. When you add water to baking powder, it will fizz as the acid and base interact. In fact, if you ever run out of baking powder, you can make your own by mixing two teaspoons cream of tartar (it provides the acid), one teaspoon of baking soda (it's the base), and a half-teaspoon of salt.

Some Other Things to Try

Try using a different size of zipper-lock plastic bag. What do you think might happen? Do you think you'll need to use more baking soda, vinegar, and water to make the bag explode? Try it and see.

In the original experiment, we asked you to use warm water. Try using cold water or hot water. Does changing the temperature change your results? How?

The first time you tried this, you mixed the vinegar with water. Try doing the experiment again with just vinegar. How did this change your experiment?

Instead of using paper towel, make your "time release packet" using a different kind of paper, like toilet paper, tissue paper or notebook paper. What happened?

Baking with Bubbles

Any baked goods that rise rely on carbon dioxide bubbles to get the job done. You can make these bubbles either by using yeast or by using the acid-base reaction like you did in the experiment.

Yeast is a one-celled fungus which converts sugar to carbon dioxide gas. Because this process takes a while, bakers use yeast in doughs that they leave alone for several hours.

Another method that cooks use to make something rise is a combination of baking soda and an acidic ingredient, like orange juice or buttermilk. This is the same kind of chemical reaction that took place in your bubble bomb.

Next time someone you know is baking, check the recipe to see if you can figure out what ingredients make the bubbles that make the cake or bread or cookies rise.

Make a Pop Rocks Volcano

Combining baking soda and vinegar is a kid favorite for making volcanoes. Are there other ingredients that can make a similar eruption? We tried making a pop rocks volcano to find out.

What You’ll Need:

• A volcano (or at least a container)
• Food coloring (optional)

First, you’ll want to create the volcano. We placed a cup on top of an old plate. Then, Aiden covered it with brown play dough. I used The Imagination Tree’s no cook play dough recipe . Instead of the cup, you could use the soda bottle as your container and cover it with play dough. If you don’t want to use play dough, you could make a simple tape volcano .

In your volcano, add a squirt of dish soap and some red food coloring. Then, pour in the soda. You can fill the container most of the way full (or experiment and start with three-quarters). Add a handful of pop rocks to the volcano.

You’ll start to hear them pop and the volcano will bubble up and fizz.

We found the reaction to be quite slow, so we added some more soda to speed it up a bit.

The Science Behind It

Pop rocks contain pressurized carbon dioxide covered with a candy coating. When the candy coating begins to dissolve, the carbon dioxide gas is released. (It breaks through the now thin candy shell.) That’s when you hear the popping sound. The candy coating dissolves in your mouth or in other liquids like water and soda. Soda contains dissolved carbon dioxide. Adding the pop rocks to the soda provides a surface for carbon dioxide bubbles to collect. The bubbles head to the surface and push their way out of the container causing the eruption. The addition of soap to the pop rocks volcano makes the eruption more frothy.

Turn This Into an Experiment

To make this an experiment , we simply need to change something. Try one of the following ideas:

• What happens if you put the pop rocks in first and then add the soda?
• Use water instead of soda. How do the eruptions compare? (We tried this. We heard lots of popping but there was no eruption.)
• Will different brands of soda affect the reaction?
• Does changing the size of the container’s opening change the eruption? We used a cup with a wide opening. What would have happened if we used a soda bottle with a narrow opening?
• Try changing the temperature of the soda.
• What else could we change about the pop rocks volcano?

More Fizzing Science

• See 10 more ways to make a volcano .
• Use the baking soda and vinegar reaction to make bubbles.
• Check out these 20 baking soda science ideas for even more baking soda and vinegar fun!

Subscribe to the Inspiration Laboratories weekly newsletter? Each issue has exclusive hands-on science explorations for children, a recap of our latest activities, and special resources selected just for you!

This post was originally published on September 8, 2016.

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Exploding Bags

Exploding bags for science, yep kids love this easy experiment! Our exploding bag experiment is a MUST try and a classic! Find out how a baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction can explode lunch bags. Kids love things that fizz, pop, bang, explode, and erupt. These bursting bags or popping bags do just that! We have tons of simple science experiments you will love to try!

Exploding Lunch Bag

Fun chemistry awaits! What is chemistry? Find out more here . This simple science activity has been on our to-do list for a while now because it’s a classic! Sometimes called the exploding lunch bag , our popping bag activity is the perfect way to excite your kiddos about science! Who doesn’t love something that explodes?

Baking soda and vinegar reactions make for exciting science activities!

Baking soda and vinegar chemical reactions are fascinating, engaging, and easy for everyone to enjoy! Our latest popping bag experiment is perfect for a summer science experiment . You should take this one outdoors because it could get quite messy.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fizzing Experiments For Kids

How Do You Make A Baking Soda Explosion?

Even the youngest scientist can learn something about the science behind our exploding bags. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar creates a gas called carbon dioxide. You can see this in fizzy drinks like our fizzy lemonade.

The carbon dioxide gas then fills up the bag. If there is more gas than the room available in the bag, the bag will burst, pop, or explode. Similar to our baking soda volcano activity. There’s no place for the gas and liquid to go but up and/or out.

The key to really cool exploding bags is getting the right ratio of baking soda to vinegar . This also makes it such a fun science experiment for kids of multiple ages. Older kids can record data, make careful measurements, and re-test. Younger kids will enjoy the playful aspect of it all. 

💡 Read more about the science behind baking soda and vinegar experiments .

Exploding Bag Experiment

💡While you’ve got a bunch of bags out and you’re outside, try the leakproof bag for a different type of chemistry experiment!

• Baking Soda
• Small sandwich bags or Gallon Size Bags 
• Toilet paper
• Tablespoon Measure and 2/3 Cup Measure
• Safety Goggle or Sun Glasses (always be safe)!

Experiment Set Up:

TIP: To get started with your exploding bags science project, you want to create a toilet paper pouch for the baking soda. This slows down the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda. It’s all about the anticipation!

STEP 1. Place a heaped tablespoon of baking soda in the middle of one square of toilet paper.

TIP: You can also set up a control bag ( control variable ) with just the baking soda so that kids can draw conclusions by observing and comparing the two bags.

STEP 2. Bring the corners of the toilet paper together and wind up the top to create a simple pouch.

STEP 3. Add 2/3 cup of vinegar to your plastic bag.

STEP 4. Seal the bag so there is just enough room to slip in the pouch.

STEP 5. Give the bag a little shake and toss on the ground.

Watch and see what happens with your exploding bag. Will it pop, burp, explode?

Our Results

We attempted to follow the instructions from Steve Spangler, but we were not having any luck. We decided to experiment with our exploding lunch bags on our own. What did we need to change?

Experimenting is what science activities are all about!

I am glad we did not have immediate success. The problems our exploding bags had gave my son opportunities to think of solutions. He needed to use his critical thinking skills to brainstorm new ideas.

I love that he wanted to keep trying more of these almost bursting bags. He was excited to see if the next bag would work better or differently. 

With a little assistance from a pool noodle below, he was able to make one of the bags burst!

We did finally have success with our bags. The one below grew and grew until it popped the bottom seam! I wonder what would happen if we added food coloring to the activity.

CHECK OUT: Outdoor Science Experiments

Using The Scientific Method With Kids

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

Sounds heavy! What in the world does that mean?!? It means you don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you, including bursting bags!

Here are three hypotheses kids can use with this experiment to get started: Note that a classic hypothesis is often written as an if-then statement.

Hypothesis #1 : If we combine baking soda and vinegar in a sealed bag, then the bag will inflate with gas because the chemical reaction between the two ingredients produces carbon dioxide gas.

Hypothesis #2: If we vary the amount of baking soda used in each bag while keeping the amount of vinegar constant, then the bags with more baking soda will inflate more because more gas will be produced in the reaction.

Hypothesis #3: If we use different types of acids (e.g., lemon juice, orange juice) instead of vinegar with baking soda in separate bags, then the bags with stronger acids will inflate more because the reaction will release more gas.

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

READ MORE:   The Scientific Method For Kids With Examples

Note:  The use of the   best Science and Engineering Practices   is also relevant to the topic of using the scientific method. Read more and see if it fits your science planning needs.

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)
• Variables In Science
• Observation In Science
• Science Vocabulary
• 8 Science Books for Kids
• All About Scientists
• DIY Science Kits
• Science Tools for Kids
• Science Fair Projects for Kids

More Fun Science Experiments To Try

• Erupting Mentos and Coke Reaction
• Elephant Toothpaste
• Egg In Vinegar
• Skittles Experiment
• Growing Borax Crystals
• Saltwater Density Experiment

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.

One Comment

Thanks for your posts! Just fyi you say to put a heaping tablespoon of vinegar on the toilet paper 😉

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~ projects to try now ~.

Quick Bottle Rockets With Baking Soda & Vinegar

This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make a Bottle Rocket

Supplies you’ll need:

Corks Small plastic bottles (water bottles or small soda bottles work great) Baking Soda Vinegar Small squares of tissue paper or toilet paper Funnel

Pour about an inch worth of vinegar into the bottom of the bottle.

Put about a teaspoon of baking soda onto the tissue square and fold it up (this will create a time-release packet).

This is most definitely an outside project!  You can get as messy as you want. When you are ready to watch it explode, drop the baking soda packet in, put on the cork- tight, but not too tight- and let it explode.  Place it cork side down to watch it fly!

You can do it two different ways.  Right side up, the cork just pops out.  If you do it with the cork side down, the bottle flies up- that is lots more fun!  It happens so quickly that it surprises you!

Watch us make our bottle rockets:

How does the baking soda & vinegar bottle rocket work, find more awesome science activities in my new book: science art & drawing games for kids.

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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Hi Karyn, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

How fun!!!!

Hi, loved this so much I featured it on this week’s Mom’s Library! Hop over and grab a ‘I was featured on Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk” button! Also, we are having a great Christmas Give-Away to raise awareness for the Ornaments 4 Orphans organization! Can’t wait to see what you have to link up this week!

Julie @ Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk http://heymommychocolatemilk.blogspot.com/2012/12/moms-library-8-for-me-and-give-away.html

Best day!!! I was looking at making a bottle rocket for an activity coming up and just clicked on a link without lookin at the website, and I see the cutest video with one of my college roommates in it. It was so wonderful seeing your beautiful face. And you made the rockets look very easy and doable.

<3 Thanks Kelley! Love you, friend!

Can you tell me if you use water bottles that the cork does not fit can you put duct tape around the cork Should you also use pencils?

You want the cork to be able to easily pop out. If you used duct tape to make the cork a little bigger, that would probably work, but do not tape it to the bottle. Not sure what you mean about the pencils?

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Hands On As We Grow®

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

35 Exploding Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments for Kids of All Ages

Science Toddlers Grade School Kindergartners Preschoolers Experiment Kitchen Resources 3 Comments

Try one of these 35 science experiments that you can do with two simple ingredients you probably already have at home – baking soda and vinegar.

Simple science experiments are great for all ages.

They don’t always go as planned.

But that’s part of experimenting and learning.

Adjust accordingly and try again.

I am more likely to do science experiments that use basic household supplies.

After all, who wants to wait to go shopping before doing a science experiment?

Don’t let the excitement of doing an experiment fizzle away.

Mixing baking soda and vinegar is a blast, so you are sure to enjoy these 35 science experiments for kids.

Before even starting, figure out the best baking soda to vinegar ratio.

We did it and discovered that using 12 parts vinegar to 1 part baking soda resulted in the biggest fizziest explosions.

See the details here: Mega Baking Soda to Vinegar Ratio Experiment

Erupting Volcanoes with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Go with the flow with these erupting baking soda and vinegar volcano experiments.

I hope you lava them as much as I do!

Keep the mess to a minimum by going outside or keeping the volcanoes contained in a baking dish.

• Create an erupting apple volcano as seen on Little Bins for Little Hands. Then check out these 40 easy apple activities for kids to experiment, create, and learn for more apple themed learning.
• Scoop out the insides of a watermelon for a watermelon volcano shown on Natural Beach Living. And then enjoy a yummy snack when done.
• Fill a tray with plastic egg volcanoes found on Little Bins for Little Hands.
• Repurpose a salt shaker for a salt shaker volcano as seen on Science Kiddo. Wrap the baking soda in tissue paper, toss it in the vinegar, and quickly put the lid on to create a geyser of baking soda and vinegar.
• Practice colors with a color changing volcano shown on Preschool Inspirations. A video is available to watch this active volcano.
• Use small containers for a rainbow volcano found on Messy Little Monster. Pair this activity with a frozen rainbow science experiment for kids .
• Be wowed with a colorful volcano as seen on Hello Wonderful. Making a sensory bin with this erupting volcano is a hands-on creative idea.
• Build a homemade volcano shown on Fun With Mama. A plastic or glass bottle and some sand work great.
• Construct a ketchup volcano found on Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. Ketchup has vinegar in it, so technically, this is another vinegar and baking soda experiment. Plus it’s red like lava!

Dancing with Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments

You put a little boogie in a tissue to make it dance.

But how do you make apple seeds , popcorn seeds, raisins, rice, gummy worms, and candy dance?

Try these baking soda and vinegar experiments! What else can you make dance?

• Use the apple seeds from the erupting apple volcano experiment for dancing apple seeds as seen on J Daniel 4’s Mom.
• Become a magician with dancing popcorn seeds found on Little Bins for Little Hands. Abracadabra!
• Experiment with dancing raisins shown on Science Sparks. Do raisins sink or float?
• Add color to a dancing rice experiment as seen on Green Kid Crafts. Do all kinds of rice dance?
• Cut gummy worms in quarters and soak them in baking soda for this dancing worms experiment as seen on Playdough to Plato. Does it matter how long you soak the worms in baking soda?
• Start a conversation with these dancing candy hearts found on Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. What other candy can you make dance?

FREE Science Experiments Download!

Creating Art with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Don’t draw the line with baking soda and vinegar experiments just yet. Create some fizzy, popping art work!

• Mix together some baking soda paint as seen on Housing a Forest. Spread this thick, goopy paint on to cardboard or thick paper with a spatula.
• Create some fizzy art found on Typically Simple. No pipette, no problem! Try using a medicine syringe or a turkey baster.
• Explore space with fizzy galaxy art shown on The Pinterested Parent. It’s a beautiful out-of-this world creation.
• Play with a fizzy painting as seen on Rainy Day Mum. Messy but fun!
• Make rainbow art found on The Best Ideas for Kids. The colors might all mix together in the process, but that’s okay!
• Build a textured fizzling volcano as seen on The Craft at Home Family. A free template is available.

Experimenting More with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Who knew you could do so many experiments with baking soda and vinegar? Here are even more simple baking soda and vinegar experiments to try at home with kids.

• Assemble a fizzy sensory bin found on Wild Flower Ramblings. Add shells, little rocks, and toy underwater creatures for an ocean theme.
• Experiment with color reaction using baking soda and vinegar! What color does blue and yellow make? Green!
• Learn what ratio of vinegar and baking soda creates the best chemical reaction with a ratio experiment . Chart your results.
• Become a mad scientist in a fizzy potion lab found on Little Passports. Any cup should work.
• Blow up a balloon without using your mouth. Will the filled balloons fall to the ground or rise in the air once they are tied shut?
• Uncover a magic treasure rock shown on Growing a Jeweled Rose. What treasure will you find?
• Compare frozen vinegar with frozen baking soda as seen on Play of the Wild. This is a great hands-on chemistry experiment.
• Build a chemical reaction car found on Left Brain Craft Brain. Does the amount of baking soda and vinegar affect the speed?
• Blast off with a launching rocket as seen on Babble Dabble Do. Does the weight of the rocket affect the distance it travels?
• Play in water with a STEAM boat shown on Tiny Beans. Anchors away!
• Decorate a STEAM sailboat found on 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Does the design of the boat matter?
• Investigate clean and green pennies as seen on Mom Brite. Make pennies sparkle and turn them green with this experiment.
• See a disappearing egg shell shown on Premeditated Leftovers. Simply put an egg in a jar of vinegar and wait a couple of days.
• Watch all of the bubbles form with this disappearing sea shells activity found on Little Bins for Little Hands. A shell in vinegar for a little bit is a clean shell. But left in vinegar for too long, it may disappear!

What is your favorite baking soda and vinegar activity?

About Brigitte Brulz

Brigitte Brulz is a homeschooling mom of two daughters, wife of her high school sweetheart, and author of Jobs of a Preschooler and Pickles, Pickles, I Like Pickles. She offers free coloring pages and activity ideas on her website at BrigitteBrulz.com .

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Baking Soda Popper

September 12, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 4 Comments

After watching this YouTube video of Steve Spangler popping film canisters on the Ellen Show , I knew I wanted to give it a go. I had been intending to pick up some canisters on my next shopping trip, but yesterday, I spotted a little effervescent tablet container in the cupboard. I didn’t want to waste the tablets and didn’t have any Alka Seltzer, so I decided to try some baking soda and vinegar instead.

How to make a Baking Soda Popper

What you need.

• A container with a lid
• Baking Soda
• Kitchen Roll

Baking Soda Popper Instructions

I added about a cm of vinegar to the bottom of the canister, dropped in a little baking soda, put on the lid and stepped back. The top flew off almost immediately.

To try and slow the reaction down, I wrapped the baking soda in a small piece of kitchen towel, which gave me enough time to put the canister down and grab a camera.

Remember to stand back straight away as these fly with a bang!

Baking Soda Popper Challenge

Can you try turning the canister upside down and popping the canister rather than the lid?

Why does a baking soda popper work?

Baking Soda is alkaline and reacts with acids like vinegar, releasing carbon dioxide ( a gas ) and water. The carbon dioxide gas builds up behind the lid of the canister.  The gas has nowhere to go and is constantly being released by the reaction between vinegar and baking soda.  More and more bits of gas squeeze into the tube, jostling with each other.  The pressure builds and builds until suddenly, the lid of the canister can’t take it any more and explodes off the main body.  

The timing is fairly random, so taking a good picture can be frustratingly hard.  Can you take a photo of the lid popping off? I’d love to see it if you can.

* Be very careful with this activity. The top of the canister shoots up at speed. Make sure all little and big people are well out of the way.

If you like this activity, you’ll love my full collection of baking soda and vinegar science experiments !

Last Updated on October 16, 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

September 12, 2013 at 8:44 am

Oh how fabulous!!! I love this.

I am going to keep suitable canisters from now on.

Not so I can do it but so I can bring them all around to you for you to do it! I want to recreate the scene on the Ellen show where they did 2000 of them!

So simple, but such fun.

Thanks for having a go.

September 12, 2013 at 6:47 pm

Brilliant – looks like enormous fun and am going to keep suitable canisters too 🙂

September 12, 2013 at 8:25 pm

Nicely done! I was wondering if baking soda and vinegar would work for film canisters. Now we know!

September 16, 2013 at 8:48 pm

My children would love doing this. Rummaging through the cupboards now for suitable containers.

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Science Fun

Baking Soda And Vinegar Volcano Kitchen Science Experiment

In this fun and easy kitchen science experiment for kids, we’re going to use baking soda and vinegar to create an erupting volcano. 

• Measuring cup
• Baking soda
• Liquid dish soap
• Red food coloring
• Baking pan or plastic bin
• Plastic water bottle

Instructions:

• Fill the plastic water bottle about halfway full with baking soda.
• Add a squirt or two of dish soap to the bottle. 
• Pile the sand up around the plastic water bottle to make it look like a volcano. Be sure to leave the mouth of the bottle open and unobstructed.
• Measure out ½ cup of vinegar.
• Add a drop or two of red food coloring to the vinegar.
• Pour the vinegar into the plastic water bottle and observe.

EXPLORE AWESOME SCIENCE EXPERIMENT VIDEOS!

How it Works:

The baking soda is a base and the vinegar is an acid. When the acid and base combine, an endothermic reaction occurs and releases carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide gas rushes toward the bottle opening and also causes the dish soap to foam. The gas and foam quickly fill the bottle an erupt from the top and causes a cool looking “lava flow” down the side of your volcano. 

Make This A Science Project:

Try different amounts of vinegar. Try different amounts of baking soda. Try different sized and shaped bottles. 

EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!

SUBSCRIBE AND NEVER MISS A NEW SCIENCE FUN VIDEO!

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Exploding Baking Soda and Vinegar Bags (a STEM Activity)

by Sarah | Activities , Learning , Science | 1 comment

Are you looking for an exciting STEM activity for kids? Try making exploding baking soda and vinegar bags!  Learn how to do the activity plus how to turn it into a true experiment!

I love using baking soda and vinegar to illustrate chemistry to my kids. It’s fun. It’s easy. It’s frugal. 

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If you need a simple way to demonstrate the reaction between baking soda and vinegar, try making these exploding baking soda and vinegar bags!

This STEM activity comes together in minutes and is so much fun!

How Make Exploding Bags Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

I like this baking soda and vinegar activity because it’s a great visual representation of the gas produced when you mix the 2 ingredients.

Baking soda and vinegar don’t just make things explode, it also produces carbon dioxide gas!

This is a simple activity. All you need is:

• a ziploc bag
• baking soda

That’s it! Simple, right? I’m sure you have all of the supplies in your kitchen right now. 

To set up this experiment, pour a little vinegar into the bottom of a ziploc bag. 

Then twist the bag up really well. You don’t want the reaction to start before you are ready!

Next add baking soda to the top of the bag. Seal the bag really well. 

Now you’re ready to make the bag explode!

Let go of the bag and let it untwist itself and mix the baking soda and vinegar.

Depending on the amounts of baking soda and vinegar you used, you may want to stand back. 

We tossed our bag in the air a bit so it landed away from us and it untwisted really easily. 

As the baking soda and vinegar reaction occurs you should see the bag start to inflate. If the pressure gets too great inside the bag it will explode!

How Does This Experiment Work?

Baking soda is a bicarbonate(or NaHCO3) and it is a base. Vinegar is acetic acid (or HCH3COO), which of course is an acid.

When these 2 combine a chemical reaction occurs and a a result of this chemical reaction, carbon dioxide gas is produced. (Here’s a more exact description of what happens during the reaction )

That carbon dioxide gas is what causes the bubbles and  explosions kids love. It’s also what causes the bag to blow up in this experiment. 

Follow up the discussion with this fun  Acids and Bases Experiment  to help kids determine what are acids and what are bases. 

This bag has been taped shut to increase the strength of the seal

How to Extend This Baking Soda and Vinegar Demonstration

As is, this experiment is merely a demonstration that help to visually show what happens when the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar takes place. 

So how can you turn it into a real experiment? By adding in variables!

Adding in variables can help make your kids think. They can make guesses (hypotheses) and test them out to see if they are right. Here are some variables you can add in to extend the exploding bag activity:

• Set up a few different bags, use different amounts of vinegar in each bag. Use the same amount of baking soda. 
• Set up a few different bags, use different amounts of baking soda in each bag. Use the same amount of vinegar. 
• Change the size of the bag. Try quart or gallon bags. 
• Increase the strength of the seal. Try using duct tape to seal the bag better. 
• Dilute the vinegar with water. 

Try all of these different variations and see how things change. 

And don’t forget to ask questions! 

• WHAT changed?
• WHY did it change?
• HOW did it change?

Observing and questioning helps kids to really think about the reasons things happen and it extends the learning in any activity. 

Looking for more Baking Soda and Vinegar Activities? Check out the activities below:

7 Baking Soda and Vinegar Activities for Kids!

More STEM Activities You May Like:

Take a Math Scavenger Hunt

Fun Chemical Reaction Experiment for Kids That Gives Off Heat!

Oil and Water Sensory Bag for Science Exploration

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Good Afternoon!

I am planning to do the Baking Soda and Vinegar Exploding Bag experiment with my first graders this week and was wondering if you have and worksheet that goes along with the experiment or if you have any suggestions on where I might can find one! Thanks so much!

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