science behind vinegar and baking soda experiment

Learn about Reactions with This Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment

Take a peek in your pantry. Do you have baking soda and vinegar? If so, you and your kids have the basic supplies for a bubbly science experiment! 

These two products are staples in many households because they are essential cooking ingredients. , Baking soda helps baked goods rise, and a pinch or two will balance the acidity in dishes like tomato soup. Vinegar is a common ingredient in salad dressings and sauces, and a splash will elevate any dish in need of a bright, tangy flavor.

But can you mix vinegar and baking soda together? You sure can—and the result is a wonderful at-home science experiment. Vinegar and baking soda create a very effective cleaner for dishwashers, washing machines, clogged sinks, and even tile grout because of the chemical reaction that occurs when the two substances interact. You can harness this same reaction for an exciting chemistry activity!

The Science behind the Reaction

A baking soda and vinegar reaction is simple and safe for budding scientists of all ages. Older children may be curious about why the reaction occurs—here’s the rundown:

When combined, baking soda and vinegar undergo an acid-base reaction. Acids and bases are aqueous solutions (meaning they’re substances dissolved in water) that exist at opposite ends of the pH (potential of hydrogen) scale, which spans from 0 to 14. Acids measure between 0 and 7 and bases measure between 7 and 14, while a pH of 7 indicates a neutral substance. In simple terms, bases have the potential to gain hydrogen ions (an ion is a type of atom, one of the tiny building blocks that make up all matter), while acids have the potential to donate hydrogen ions to another substance.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has a pH level of 9, making it a base. Vinegar, which is acetic acid dissolved in water, has a pH level of 2–3, making it an acid. , Baking soda is made up of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms. Vinegar is made up of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms.

When you mix baking soda and vinegar together, two hydrogen atoms move from the vinegar to the baking soda to create a salt called sodium acetate. The remaining atoms create a new acid—but it breaks down quickly into water and carbon dioxide gas.

It’s Time for an Experiment

Your kids can witness an acid-base chemical reaction right in your kitchen. This baking soda experiment for kids combines vinegar and baking soda, then uses the resulting carbon dioxide gas to inflate a balloon. This same reaction is behind science projects like fizzy potions and DIY volcanoes .

Children of all ages can participate in every step of this experiment, but younger kids may need help from an adult. You know your kid scientists’ abilities best!

Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment

• ⅓ cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 empty plastic water or soda bottle
• 1 uninflated balloon
• 1 funnel 
• Use the funnel to fill the uninflated balloon with baking soda. Kids can help pour the baking soda while an adult holds the funnel and balloon. 
• Pour the vinegar into the empty plastic bottle. Fit the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle, trying not to spill any baking soda out of the balloon.
• Once the balloon is securely attached to the bottle with no gaps for air to escape, lift the balloon and let the baking soda fall into the vinegar below.
• Watch as the baking soda and vinegar react—the mixture will bubble and fizz. As the reaction takes place, the balloon should begin to expand and fill with carbon dioxide gas!

Using the Scientific Method

The balloon experiment is an excellent way to show your children the wonders of chemistry from the comfort of home. You can build on their learning by teaching them to follow the scientific method. This process is what scientists around the world use to construct and test their hypotheses (what they think will happen in an experiment).

Help your children navigate the following steps:

• Identify a problem or question: Ask your kids, “What do you think will happen to the balloon when we combine vinegar and baking soda?” 
• Form a hypothesis : Encourage your children to guess how the vinegar and baking soda will react—and how that reaction will affect the balloon. Help them frame their hypothesis using the “if _____, then _____” format. For example: If the baking soda and vinegar mix, then bubbles will form and the balloon will expand.
• Conduct the experiment : Follow the steps in the experiment above to test their hypotheses. 
• Collect and analyze the results: Help your kids monitor how the experiment plays out. Older children can make notes, while young ones may want to take photos or draw pictures of the experiment.
• Provide a conclusion: Ask your kids if their hypotheses were correct. If they were, great! If not, ask them how the experiment differed from what they expected. Remember: Science is all about making wrong guesses and learning from them. Help your young chemists understand that an incorrect hypothesis is just as good as a correct one.

You and your kids can apply the scientific method to all kinds of at-home science experiments. There are plenty of family-friendly activities to grow your children’s interest in chemistry. For example, you could test whether a substance is acidic or basic using cabbage and water , or using carbon dioxide gas to create a miniature “snowstorm.”   

If your kids have a passion for experiments, sign them up for a science-based subscription box from Little Passports. The Science Junior box , designed for five-to-eight-year-olds, helps early elementary schoolers explore the wonders of science firsthand. Science Expeditions teaches children ages eight and up about more advanced scientific topics, such as aerodynamics and solar energy. Each month you’ll receive a box full of activities and discoveries to help your budding scientists flourish and grow.

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What is the Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction?

February 8, 2020 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever made an erupting volcano model you most likely used the baking soda and vinegar reactio n to make it erupt. Baking soda and vinegar react to neutralise each other ( vinegar is an acid and baking soda an alkali ) releasing carbon dioxide which is the bubbles of gas you see. If you add a little washing up liquid ( dish soap ) the foam becomes thick, a little like lava!

This reaction is used for lots of fun science experiments including popping bags and blowing up balloons .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction Equation

Baking soda + vinegar —-> carbon dioxide + water + sodium ion + acetate ion.

You can read more about the chemistry behind the reaction here .

Try an experiment!

Now you know the science behind the reaction why not try one of our many explosive baking soda and vinegar experiments .

One of our favourites is fizzy colour changing potions ! These use red cabbage indicator for the colour changing part and the vinegar and baking soda reaction to make the fizz!

Frozen baking soda ice cubes are great fun too!

More easy science for kids

Don’t forget I’ve got 100s more easy science activities and experiments for kids to try! We’ve got STEM challenges , kitchen science experiments and lots of ideas for science at home !

If you try any I’d love to see them so please do share on social media and tag @sciencesparks.

Last Updated on September 28, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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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.

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vinegar and baking soda experiment

The vinegar and baking soda experiment is a classic and exciting science activity that demonstrates a chemical reaction. Discover how to conduct this experiment step-by-step and understand the science behind it.

The vinegar and baking soda experiment is a classic and popular demonstration that showcases the fascinating chemical reaction that occurs when an acid and a base interact. By combining vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), we can observe an exciting display of bubbling and fizzing. This experiment not only captivates the imagination but also serves as a valuable educational tool, allowing us to explore the properties of acids and bases in an interactive and engaging manner.

To conduct this experiment, you will need a few basic materials: baking soda, vinegar, a clear plastic bottle or glass jar, a funnel (optional), and a balloon (optional).

Let's walk through the steps of the experiment:

• Begin by selecting a clear plastic bottle or glass jar to serve as the container for the reaction. It's helpful to use a clear vessel, as it allows for better observation of the reaction.
• If desired, use a funnel to carefully pour a small amount of baking soda into the bottle, filling it to about one-quarter of its capacity. The funnel helps to prevent any spillage or mess.
• Slowly pour vinegar into the bottle, being cautious not to fill it to the brim. Leave some space at the top to accommodate the reaction that will take place. As the vinegar comes into contact with the baking soda, the magic begins.
• Observe the reaction as the vinegar and baking soda interact. Almost immediately, you will witness a flurry of bubbles and fizzing. This effervescent display is a result of the chemical reaction occurring between the acetic acid in the vinegar and the sodium bicarbonate in the baking soda.
• For an added interactive element, you can stretch a balloon over the top of the bottle or jar before pouring in the vinegar. As the carbon dioxide gas is generated during the reaction, it will inflate the balloon, creating a visual representation of the gas production.

The chemical reaction that transpires between the vinegar and baking soda can be explained by the following equation:

CH3COOH (acetic acid) + NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) → CO2 (carbon dioxide) + NaC2H3O2 (sodium acetate) + H2O (water)

The reaction between the acid (vinegar) and the base (baking soda) produces carbon dioxide gas, which manifests as bubbles. Simultaneously, sodium acetate and water are formed as byproducts of the chemical reaction.

This experiment serves as an excellent educational tool, particularly for teaching children about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. It provides a hands-on experience that allows them to witness the exciting transformation and understand the principles at play.

By engaging in the vinegar and baking soda experiment, children can develop a deeper appreciation for the world of chemistry. They can learn about the concept of chemical reactions, how different substances interact, and the role of acids and bases in these processes. Furthermore, the visual effects of bubbling and the inflation of the balloon make the experiment even more captivating and memorable.

However, it is important to note that while this experiment is safe and enjoyable, caution should always be exercised. Adult supervision is advised, especially when working with young children. It's crucial to handle the materials responsibly, avoid ingestion or contact with eyes, and clean up any spills promptly.

In conclusion, the vinegar and baking soda experiment provides an exciting opportunity to explore the chemical reaction between an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda). Through the combination of these two substances, we witness a captivating display of bubbling and fizzing, accompanied by the production of carbon dioxide gas, sodium acetate, and water. This experiment serves as an interactive and educational tool, allowing children to gain insights into the world of chemistry, understand the properties of acids and

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Why Do Vinegar & Baking Soda React?

A very common stem reaction.

Baking Soda mixed with Vinegar. Two household products that have been entertaining kids around the world for decades due to their reaction with one another. When teaching science and STEM, the balloon being blown up by this reaction is probably one of the first demonstrations kids will try.

But what is actually going on behind the scenes that causes this visually pleasing reaction?

Reaction Explained Simply

The reaction is known as an 'Acid-Base' reaction.

Baking soda is a base, and vinegar is an acid. Vinegar isn't just an acid, it is an acid in water, which is important.

The water in the vinegar acts as a host where the base and acid react. During the reaction, when the baking soda is mixed with the vinegar, the baking soda (Base) takes a proton from the vinegar (Acid). The reaction causes the baking soda to transform into water and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is a gas which is released during the reaction, which gives it the bubbling effect, and it expands which will blow up balloons as you have probably seen in some experiments and demonstrations.

Vinegar + Baking Soda Video

Here is a great video demonstrating the reaction of vinegar and baking soda. It explains what has happened simply, and also demonstrates how the reaction can blow up a balloon.

The Reaction Explained in Complex Form

For the full and detailed explanation of what actually takes place when you mix vinegar and baking soda, we researched from professional scientists.

The best answer we could find was here: UCSB ScienceLine

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate: each molecule of baking soda contains a sodium atom, a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a carbon dioxide molecule. Vinegar contains acetic acid, each molecule of which contains a hydrogen atom, and an acetate ion. When combined, the hydrogen atom in the acetic acid meets up with the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the baking soda to form a molecule of water, while the acetate ion grabs onto the sodium atom and forms a salt, sodium acetate. The carbon dioxide molecule, free of its other chemical bonds, can now escape and bubbles forth as a gas.

Kids Toys That Use Baking Soda & Vinegar

Our ever expanding list of toys that use bi-carb and vinegar as fuel. Baking soda and vinegar react which makes these toys awesome.

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Make Hot Ice From Baking Soda and Vinegar

Hot ice is another name for sodium acetate (CH 3 COONa or NaOAc). It is the sodium salt of acetic acid, which is the key component of vinegar. Hot ice gets its name from the way it solidifies. A solution of sodium acetate supercooled below its melting point suddenly crystallizes. Heat is released and the crystal resemble ice so… “hot ice.” All you need to make sodium acetate and crystallize it into hot ice is baking soda and vinegar. It’s a great chemistry demonstration because it illustrates chemical reactions, supercooling, crystallization, and exothermic processes . From start to finish, the project takes less than an hour. Once you have the sodium acetate, you can melt and crystallize it over and over again.

You only need two ingredients, plus a pan and stove:

• 1 liter Vinegar (weak acetic acid)
• 4 tablespoons Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

The quantities of baking soda and vinegar are not critical so long as all of the baking soda dissolves. If measuring the ingredients isn’t an option, just dissolve baking soda in vinegar until no more dissolves, filter off the liquid using a coffee filter or paper towel to remove any solids, and proceed from there.

Be sure to use plain white (clear) vinegar and not cider, red wine, or some other colored vinegar. You can substitute sodium carbonate (washing soda) or sodium hydroxide (caustic soda or lye) for the baking soda. If you have access to pure sodium acetate (inexpensive online), you can skip the procedure to make it and go directly to the step for re-using it.

• The first step is reacting the baking soda and vinegar . Stir baking soda into vinegar a little at a time. If you add it all at once, you’ll basically get the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano and could overflow your pan! The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide gas: Na + [HCO 3 ] –  + CH 3 –COOH → CH 3 –COO –  Na +  + H 2 O + CO 2 However, at this point there’s too much water for the sodium acetate to crystallize.
• Next, concentrate the solution by boiling it. It took me about an hour at medium heat to reduce the volume from a liter to about 100-150 milliliters. Don’t use high heat because you may get discoloration (golden or brown). The discoloration doesn’t ruin the sodium acetate, but the hot ice will look a bit like you made it from yellow snow. You’ll know you’ve boiled off enough water when a crystalline skin starts to form on the surface of the liquid.
• Once you see a skin, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Carefully pour the liquid into a clean container and cover the new container with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent further evaporation. You should get crystals in the pan, which you can use as seed crystals for activities, but the liquid in the new container should not contain any crystals. If you do have crystals, stir in a very small volume of water or vinegar to dissolve the crystals. If the entire solution crystallizes, add more water and go back to the stove to boil it down again.
• Place the covered container of sodium acetate solution in the refrigerator to chill it. It’s also fine to let the solution cool to room temperature on its own, but this takes longer. Either way, reducing the temperature produces a supercooled liquid. That is, the sodium acetate remains liquid below its freezing point.

Hot Ice Activities

Solidification of sodium acetate is the basis for one type of hot pack , but it’s also great for crystallization demonstrations. Three popular activities are the “sea urchin,” “flower,” and “tower.”

• Sea Urchin : Pour the cooled liquid into a clear container. Use a toothpick or bamboo skewer to scrape a few sodium acetate crystals from the pan used to make the solution. Dip the toothpick into the liquid so the tip with crystals are in the middle of the container. Needle-like crystals immediately grow out from the center. Also, crystallization releases heat as chemical bonds form to make the solid. The final structure resembles a spiny sea urchin.
• Flower : Pour the cooled sodium acetate liquid into a flat dish (preferably a dark-colored one). Scrape one or more crystals from the pan and drop them onto the liquid. The crystals act as seeds . The hot ice crystals spread out radially and form structures that resemble flowers.
• Tower : Place a few crystals onto a surface. Slowly pour the liquid onto the crystals. The hot ice solidifies as you pour the liquid, forming a tower (or whatever shape you can manage).

Re-Using Hot Ice

Save the solid sodium acetate so you can use it again without going through the whole baking soda-and-vinegar process. Simply dissolve the hot ice in water and boil off the smaller amount of excess water.

Safety Information

Sodium acetate is a safe, non-toxic chemical, so it’s perfect for chemistry demonstrations. It is used as a food additive to enhance flavor and is a key ingredient in some chemical hot packs. The heat released by hot ice crystallization of a refrigerated solution doesn’t present a burn hazard. However, making hot ice from baking soda and vinegar does involve boiling liquid on a stove, so adult supervision is required. If you use sodium hydroxide in place of baking soda, heed the cautions on the product label.

• ChemEd Xchange (2019). “ Crystallization of Supersaturated Sodium Acetate – Demonstration .”
• Clayden, Jonathan; Greeves, Nick; Warren, Stuart; Wothers, Peter (2001). Organic Chemistry (1st ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-850346-0.
• Seidell, Atherton; Linke, William F. (1952). Solubilities of Inorganic and Organic Compounds . Van Nostrand.

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Wonder of the Day #1861

What Happens When You Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda?

SCIENCE — Physical Science

Have You Ever Wondered...

• What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda?
• Why do vinegar and baking soda react the way they do?
• What types of substances are baking soda and vinegar?
• Baking Soda ,
• Ingredient ,
• Sodium Bicarbonate ,
• Acetic Acid ,
• Carbonic Acid ,
• Sodium Acetate ,
• Decomposition ,
• Carbon Dioxide ,
• Chemistry ,

Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Ngatau. Ngatau Wonders , “ What Would Happen If Vinegar And Baking Soda Combined? ” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Ngatau!

How hungry are you when you get home from a busy day at school? Starving ? Ravenous ? Famished ? Those are just a few of the adjectives that kids might use to describe their hunger pains when they burst through the front door.

Instead of starting on homework , the first stop many kids make is the refrigerator . If you've ever searched the refrigerator for food after school, you may have noticed that it also usually contains all sorts of other items that don't make a good after-school snack .

The door full of condiments contains items that are usually only good if they're added to something else. You're also likely to find other items that are used in the cooking process, such as vinegar. You might also find a box of baking soda intended to absorb odors in the refrigerator .

If you can't find edible food, you might be tempted to conjure up your own concoction with some of the things you found inside. Before you become a mad scientist in the kitchen, though, you should know that some of those things might not make a tasty treat.

Take baking soda and vinegar, for example. Mixing those two ingredients will get you a reaction, but it won't taste good. In the right amounts and containers, the mixture can even be downright explosive !

Baking soda and vinegar react chemically because one is a base and the other is an acid . Baking soda is a basic compound called sodium bicarbonate. Vinegar is a diluted solution that contains acetic acid .

The baking soda and vinegar reaction is actually two separate reactions. The first reaction is the acid -base reaction.

When vinegar and baking soda are first mixed together, hydrogen ions in the vinegar react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions in the baking soda. The result of this initial reaction is two new chemicals: carbonic acid and sodium acetate.

The second reaction is a decomposition reaction. The carbonic acid formed as a result of the first reaction immediately begins to decompose into water and carbon dioxide gas.

Just like carbon dioxide bubbles in a carbonated drink, the carbon dioxide (that formed as the carbonic acid decomposed) rises to the top of the mixture. This creates the bubbles and foam you see when you mix baking soda and vinegar.

If you mix a large amount of baking soda and vinegar in a small container with a narrow opening, expect an impressive eruption! Many science teachers use this simple chemical reaction to teach students about chemistry. If you've ever made a homemade volcano as a science experiment, then you know firsthand what happens when baking soda and vinegar react!

Wonder What's Next?

Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day takes a look at a Native American art form with deep spiritual meaning!

Are you ready to experiment with baking soda and vinegar? Ask a friend or family member to help you explore the following fun activities:

• If you've never done the classic science experiment with baking soda and vinegar, what are you waiting for? Find an adult friend or family member and make a Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano today! For fun, use a smartphone to video your volcano in action, so you can share it with your friends.
• If you don't want to make a volcano, how about making a Bubble Bomb instead? You'll need the same two key ingredients, a grown-up, and a plastic bag. Have fun experimenting with baking soda and vinegar!
• Want to take your experimentation to the next level? Check out How To Get the Best Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction online to learn how the addition of an extra ingredient — liquid dish soap — can make your baking soda and vinegar reactions even more bubbly!

Wonder Sources

• https://www.reference.com/science/baking-soda-vinegar-erupt-6c17a2965924611c
• http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/science/vinegar-baking-soda-the-ultimate-cleanser
• http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/baking-soda-and-vinegar.html
• http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemicalreactions/f/What-Is-The-Equation-For-The-Reaction-Between-Baking-Soda-And-Vinegar.htm

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Fernando Ortiz Vallarta

Hi Fernando! 

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Yes it works bit yld add 12 tbsp of vinegar and 1 tbsp of baking soda. Make sure to add the vinegar first or whichever. ?

Thanks for sharing, Charity!

Yes, there is a reaction between vinegar and baking soda. Please make sure you are working with an adult and make sure you are following safety guidelines--such as wearing protective goggles! 

Regarding this baking soda and vinegar reaction. I'm puzzled, because some sites are talking about unclogging drains by using this specific reaction [website redacted]. To be honest, I've tried it, and for some reason it works in most cases. But - if those two ingredients "cancel" each other, what is the deal with this unclogging functionality? How could it work?

The acid/base does neutralize one another--but not before they have a bubbly reaction! This is how vinegar and baking soda can sometimes be used to unclog drains. Does that help, Emilia?

That's fair!

We're not sure, edwina! That would be a great thing for you to research. Let us know what you find out! 

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Hmm, sounds like it is the baking soda, but we encourage you to take a Wonder Journey if want to look into this further!!

Hi, kitten! The type of container shouldn't matter, as long as you're mixing the baking soda and vinegar! If it's a smaller container with a narrow opening, though, it can be more impressive!

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It turns into a volcano ?

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Hmm...we aren't sure.  We have never tried that before.  We encourage you to try it (with adult supervision) and report back!  A science experiment!! ?

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That sounds amazing!  Did you make one of those volcanoes in science class?

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Go for it!  Maybe get parental permission first.  Also, go outside.  Oh, and stand back.  Have fun!

SUPA HOT FIRE

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How are you making the faces? Let me try , B)

Totally.  What's with the shrimp, though?

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The shrimp is completely random:D

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Emily Jones

Bummer.  Hate when science experiments don't quite work out the way you hope.  Glad you are learning about this, though!

i will try the bubble bomb

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hey can i join

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Question 1 of 3

Sodium bicarbonate is more commonly known by what name?

• a baking soda Correct!
• b baking powder Not Quite!
• c salt Not Quite!
• d vinegar Not Quite!

Question 2 of 3

The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces what gas?

• a petroleum Not Quite!
• b oxygen Not Quite!
• c carbon dioxide Correct!
• d helium Not Quite!

Question 3 of 3

Vinegar reacts with baking soda due to what substance in vinegar?

• a helium Not Quite!
• b acetic acid Correct!
• c nitrogen Not Quite!
• d iron Not Quite!

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Self Inflating Balloon: Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

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Have you ever tried the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment? This classic science experiment is really one of my favorites. It is an easy science experiment to do and it really is exciting to watch.  It creates a self-inflating balloon that kids think is the coolest!

The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar cause the balloon to inflate all on its own! It is a show-stopper experiment for kids.

(See more of my  STEM projects for kids.)

How to Do the Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment:

Supplies you will need for this simple science experiment:.

Plastic empty water bottle or soda bottles, cleaned out Large Balloon White Vinegar (acetic acid) Baking Soda (or sodium bicarbonate) Small  Funnel Spoon

TIP: Before starting the experiment, you will want to stretch out the balloon to make it more loose and easier to inflate.

Step 1- Pour 1-2 spoonfuls of baking soda into the opening of the balloon, using a funnel. You’ll need to shake it a bit to get it down into the base of the balloon.

Step 2- Use the funnel again and pour some vinegar into the empty plastic bottle until it is about an inch or two deep- maybe a few tablespoons of vinegar.  Exact amounts do not matter. Add a few drops of food coloring to change it up if you want- totally unnecessary.

Step 3- Carefully stretch the opening of the balloon around the mouth of the bottle leaving it hanging down until you are ready for the reaction.

TIP: Don’t let any of the baking soda dump into the bottom of the bottle while attaching it.

Step 4- When you are ready to see the chemical reaction happen, lift up the balloon allowing the baking soda to fall down into the bottle.

This is when the fun starts! Baking soda and vinegar mix to create an awesome chemical reaction. The gas from combining the two will escape as bubbles of carbon dioxide gas that cause the balloon to inflate. It’s impressive. The more gas there is created, the larger the balloon will get.

Your kids, if they are anything like mine, will beg to do the experiment again, then 10 more times! This is really a perfect science project for kids to try on their own.

If you do repeat it, you will need fresh vinegar in the bottle. Once a reaction happens, it is not quite so strong the second time through. The balloon does not usually inflate again unless the vinegar is fresh.My kids were amazed and wanted to do it again and again and again. Stock up on baking soda and vinegar if you are planning this one! Luckily they are both quite inexpensive.

(It’s a good thing they are both so cheap!)

The Science Behind It: Why the Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction Works?

When the baking soda and vinegar reaction happens, it is an acid-base reaction. Vinegar is the acid and baking soda is the base. This reaction between the two causes a gas called carbon dioxide to bubble and foam. This gas having nowhere else to go, expands the balloon making the self-inflating balloon happen.

Here is the chemical equation behind it: Baking soda + vinegar — yields carbon dioxide + water + sodium ion + acetate ion   There is more to it than that, but that’s the basic explanation.

Try some variations to see if other reactions work:

Will baking powder work instead of baking soda?

Would lemon juice work instead of vinegar?

Could you do the same thing with an alka-seltzer tablet and soft drinks?

Use the scientific method to investigate different variations on this experiment to see how they work.

Want More Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments?

We love the carbon dioxide reactions that these two substances create.

Check out these other ones we have done:

Easy Bottle Rocket Experiment

Bathtub Bottle Rocket

Film Canister Rocket Experiment

How to Make a Volcano experiment! (This one is fun because when the eruption occurs, the carbon dioxide bubbles pour over like lava!

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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What a great idea! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this experiment. My girls are 12 and 11 and still love doing at home science projects. Although they use Time4Learning science curriculum it is always fun to do your own.

Thanks for the idea!

Awesome! I’m making a list of simple, fun experiments to do this summer, and I’m adding this one to it! We don’t seem to get to these types of experiments during the regular school year! Stopping by from HHH and new follower! Thanks for sharing your experiment!

My boys loved this experiment too. 🙂

• Pingback: Fizzing & Bubbling Science Experiments - Teach Beside Me

I do experiments with 4 year old grandson, he loves this one. We did the volcano as well and now he explains what happens to everyone he wants to show it too. Thank you for sharing, it is fun teaching when the things work as well as yours.

fantastic from a grammy

Nice , it is possible to send easy experiments for kids with the help of video

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Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon

Activities » Science » Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon

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What better science experiment to do when discussing the earth’s atmosphere than the classic baking soda & vinegar experiment ?

This idea I credit to my middle son.

You see, I bought adorable earth balloons and stashed them away in my secret science shelves (also known as “my pantry”). Well, he discovered these balloons and begged for a “baking soda vinegar reaction activity” and how could I not deliver?

My boys would choose to do science experiments all day long and that is quite all right with me. They tinker, they build, and they iterate along the way. This type of activity is critical.

The iteration as an experiment fails is key to embracing failure a la Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset approach (an amazing book by the way – see below for a list of resources mentioned in this post).

Baking Soda & Vinegar Reaction

What happens when you mix baking soda & vinegar.

My secondborn discovered these balloons and probably thanks to some youtube video begged to have access to the baking soda and vinegar. My sons cannot get enough of science.

We are a lab on most days experimenting with various substances and reactions.

Celebrate Earth Day with this fun baking soda and vinegar experiment with balloons!

How could a mom resist? Really?

Seriously, look at that face. Such awe. I can’t resist.

Baking Soda Vinegar Science

This experiment is so incredibly easy to put together. Plus the learning is hands-on and kids’ jaws drop when they observe the reaction.

Materials for this Activity

• Earth balloons
• White vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Plastic Bottle

Baking Soda and Vinegar – Science Process

• Gather your materials
• Place the balloon opening around the opening of the funnel
• Pour a cup of baking soda using a funnel to fill the balloon halfway or so
• Use the funnel to fill the plastic bottle with a cup of white vinegar
• Place the balloon opening around the mouth of the bottle
• Hold the balloon up so the baking soda falls into the bottle
• Observe & grab some paper towels

Nothing has such power to broaden the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and truly all that comes under thy observation in life. ~ Marcus Aurelius

The Science Behind Baking Soda & Vinegar Chemistry

Baking soda and vinegar have chemistry. Furthermore, we know that these two substances react with each other because of an acid-base reaction.  Baking soda is bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and vinegar is acetic acid (HCH3COO). One of the products this reaction creates is carbon dioxide, which makes bubbles.

When the baking soda meets the vinegar, there is a chemical reaction as carbon dioxide gas is created and fills the balloon causing it to inflate. Carbon dioxide is an important gas in the earth’s atmosphere. Carbon Dioxide plays a vital role in regulating the earth’s temperature.  Baking soda and vinegar have an acid-based reaction, which results in the gas that fills the balloon.

Baking Soda and vinegar react chemically we know that much simply by observing the experiments. We can see the chemical reaction. What it is about the two ingredients that react in such phenomenally cool ways?

Carbon Dioxide & the Earth’s Atmosphere

Before I go I have to equip you with some back pocket scientific knowledge to impart to your children.

What is the role of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere?

Well, I am glad that you asked because carbon dioxide plays several important roles in our environment. First of all, carbon dioxide is found in the air but also in water as part of the carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps infrared radiation heat in the atmosphere.  Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in the weathering of rocks. Carbon dioxide is the carbon source for plants.

Why is Carbon Dioxide So Important?

Carbon dioxide plays a critical part in plant and animal processes. Examples include photosynthesis and respiration. Photosynthesis occurs as green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into food compounds, such as glucose, and oxygen.

How Do Humans Interact with Carbon Dioxide?

Carbonated beverages, of course! Well, that is certainly one example but there are many additional ways human beings use carbon dioxide. We also rely on carbon dioxide in baking. For instance, it is released by baking powder or yeast making cakes and other delicious food items rise.

Other uses include putting out fires with fire extinguishers. Carbon dioxide is denser than air so it works well to extinguish the fire as it suffocates or blankets the fire because it is heavier.  If oxygen cannot get to a fire, it will die out.

Carbon dioxide exists predominantly in the form of gas, but it also has a solid and a liquid form. It can only be solid when temperatures are below -78 C .  The solid form of carbon dioxide, commonly known as Dry Ice , is used in theatres to create stage fogs, to do super cool science experiments , and make things like “magic potions” bubbles.

Liquid carbon dioxide mainly exists when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water. Carbon dioxide is only water-soluble when pressure is maintained. After pressure drops the CO2 gas will try to escape to the air. This event is characterized by the CO2 bubbles forming in the water.

{Source: https://www.lenntech.com/carbon-dioxide.htm}

Further Baking Soda & Vinegar Learning

• What happens when you switch up the ratios a bit?
• Or what happens if you add dish soap or food coloring to the baking soda & vinegar explosion?
• If you want lots of fizzes, try adding a liquid soap and see how the reaction changes.
• Does more vinegar mean more bubbles? You bet it does!

If you enjoy science as we do, check out these popular posts:

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Happy Hooligans

Crafts and Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers to Tweens

Fizzing Colours! A Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment for Preschoolers

Last updated on February 18, 2021

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Toddlers and preschoolers will love this classic baking soda and vinegar experiment . They’ll ooh and ahh over the colourful chemical reactions they’ll create with just 3 kitchen ingredients!

A baking soda and vinegar experiment is one of those classic science experiments  that always fascinates. It’s perfect for the classroom or for a day at home when your kids are bored.

Your children will love the colourful, bubbling eruptions that result when baking soda and vinegar are combined.

This experiment is easy and inexpensive to set up so you can do it over and over, whenever you need a quick and easy activity to entertain your kids.

In addition to being fun and entertaining, this activity is educational too. You’ll have an opportunity to discuss colour, colour mixing  and chemical reactions.

To do our colourful baking soda and vinegar experiment, you’ll need:

For your conviencience, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• box of baking soda (also known as bicarb soda)
• small bowl of white vinegar

• food colouring or liquid watercolours
• baking sheet  or a messy craft mat

We did several science activities yesterday, and according to the hooligan you see in the photo above, this was the best “spare-a-mint” of the day.

I’m guessing it’s because it had the goopiest results for her to dig her hands into.  This little one just loves getting messy when she plays.

The Experiment:

We began by sprinkling baking soda all over the baking sheet.  Then we shook the baking sheet back and forth to evenly distribute the baking soda.

Next, using food colouring and liquid watercolours, we squeezed drops of colour all over the baking soda.

And now for the fun part:

A drop of vinegar dripped on top of a drop food colouring.

FIZZ, FIZZ, BUBBLE, BUBBLE!

I wish I’d snapped a picture of her face when the first eruption took place. Her expression was one of pure delight and amazement.

Then she began dripping vinegar onto all of the colours on the tray, watching and listening to each one bubble and fizz.

Using a dropper is great for helping to develop fine-motor skills, pencil grasp and co-ordination.

At one point, I gave her a spray bottle of vinegar so she could spray the baking soda as well.

A spray bottle is great for strengthening muscles and co-ordination in little hands. It was a lot of fun to use but we found that the dropper gave us a more intense reaction.

As the colours erupt on the baking sheet, you can explain  why baking soda and vinegar react the way they do when combined .

We also discussed primary and secondary colours. I would say “Look!  We have purple happening here!  Which two colours mixed together to make purple?”

She dripped and she dropped until the tray was a collage of colourful craters.

And then, as I suspected she put down her dropper, and sunk her hands into the results of our experiment.

What a lovely way to finish up the activity, sliding and swishing her hands through a soft and soupy rainbow of colour.

I hope you’ll try this baking soda and vinegar experiment with your kids or students!

And stay tuned…  I’ll be sharing more of yesterday’s science activities throughout the week.

Looking for more awesome science activities for kids?

You’ll find all of my easy science activities for toddlers and preschoolers here!

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25+ Preschool activities by 25 bloggers, 10 printables, PLUS 50 links to activities not featured in the book.

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Jackie is a mom, wife, home daycare provider, and the creative spirit behind Happy Hooligans. She specializes in kids’ crafts and activities, easy recipes, and parenting. She began blogging in 2011, and today, Happy Hooligans inspires more than 2 million parents, caregivers and Early Years Professionals all over the globe.

Reader Interactions

February 20, 2016 at 11:20 pm

Great activity! I have tried this with my preschoolers and it keeps them fully engaged for long periods of time. Love your photos 🙂

May 19, 2016 at 8:53 pm

This may be a silly question, but do you mix the food colouring with water, or just drop on pure food colouring?

happyhooligans

May 20, 2016 at 6:57 am

We used ours full-strength, Sasha.

December 13, 2017 at 12:07 am

There is one sentence that looks like it might have been the victim of an incomplete edit. “A drop of vinegar dripped on top one of a drop food colouring”

May 16, 2020 at 3:59 pm

Can I use red vinegar instead of white vinegar?

Jackie Currie

May 17, 2020 at 10:50 am

I imagine it would work, Alina. Sprinkle a little baking soda on a plate and drip some red vinegar on it. If it fizzes, you’re good to go.

February 17, 2022 at 6:01 am

Hi! I am planning on doing this with my preschoolers too but just wondering what the clean up process is? Did you throw the baking soda in the garbage after?

March 23, 2022 at 2:55 pm

I pour it down the drain Camille. Baking soda and vinegar are commonly used to flush kitchen drains.

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Baking Soda and Vinegar Chemical Volcano

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The baking soda and vinegar volcano is a fun chemistry project you can do to simulate a real volcanic eruption or as an example of an  acid-base reaction . The chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) produces carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles in dishwashing detergent. The chemicals are non-toxic (though not tasty), making this project a good choice for scientists of all ages.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano Materials

eskaylim / Getty Images 

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Empty 20-ounce drink bottle
• Deep plate or a pan
• Gel food coloring
• Dishwashing detergent
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Vinegar (dilute acetic acid)

Make the Volcano Dough

Laura Natividad / Moment / Getty Images

You can cause an eruption without making a "volcano," but it's easy to model a cinder cone. Start by making the dough:

• Mix together 3 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, and 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
• Either work the dough with your hands or stir it with a spoon until the mixture is smooth.
• If you like, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough to make it volcano-colored.

Model a Volcano Cinder Cone

JGI / Jamie Grill / Getty Images

Next, you want to shape the dough into a volcano:

• Fill the empty drink bottle most of the way full with hot tap water.
• Add a squirt of dishwashing detergent and some baking soda (~2 tablespoons). If desired, you can add a few drops of food coloring.
• Set the drink bottle in the center of a pan or deep dish.
• Press the dough around the bottle and shape it to look like a volcano.
• Be careful not to plug the opening of the bottle.
• You may wish to dribble some food coloring down the sides of your volcano. When the volcano erupts, the "lava" will flow down the sides and will pick up the coloring.

Cause a Volcanic Eruption

Hero Images / Getty Images

You can make your volcano erupt over and over again.

• When you are ready for the eruption, pour some vinegar into the bottle (which contains hot water, dishwashing detergent, and baking soda).
• Make the volcano erupt again by adding more baking soda. Pour in more vinegar to trigger the reaction.
• By now, you probably see why it is important to use a deep dish or a pan. You may need to pour some of the "lava" into the sink between eruptions.
• You can clean up any spills with warm soapy water. If you used food coloring, you could stain clothes, skin, or countertops, but the chemicals used and produced are generally non-toxic.

How a Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano Works

Jeffrey Coolidge / Getty Images

The baking soda and vinegar volcano erupts because of an acid-base reaction:

baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) + vinegar (acetic acid) → carbon dioxide + water + sodium ion + acetate ion

NaHCO 3 (s) + CH 3 COOH(l) → CO 2 (g) + H 2 O(l) + Na + (aq) + CH 3 COO - (aq)

where s = solid, l = liquid, g = gas, aq = aqueous or in solution

Breaking it down:

NaHCO 3 → Na + (aq) + HCO 3 - (aq) CH 3 COOH → H + (aq) + CH 3 COO - (aq)

H + + HCO 3 - → H 2 CO 3 (carbonic acid) H 2 CO 3 → H 2 O + CO 2

Acetic acid (a weak acid) reacts with and neutralizes sodium bicarbonate (a base). The carbon dioxide that is given off is a gas. Carbon dioxide is responsible for the fizzing and bubbling during the "eruption."

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Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Experiments

From creating bubbling volcanoes to exploring the properties of acids and bases, vinegar and baking soda offer fun opportunities for hands-on learning and experimentation. 

So grab a bottle of vinegar and a box of baking soda, and get ready to have some fun!  We’ll explore some of the many experiments and activities you can do with these two versatile ingredients. Get ready to be amazed by the science behind the fizz! 

The Science and Chemistry of Vinegar and Baking Soda

The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is often used in science experiments to demonstrate chemical reactions or to create a gas that can be used to inflate a balloon or make a homemade volcano. It’s a simple and fun way to explore chemistry and learn about the properties of acids and bases., and we’ve done experiments with this chemical reaction a bunch of times.

The chemical equation for combining vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is:

This reaction produces water, carbon dioxide gas, and sodium acetate (CH3COONa). This produces carbon dioxide bubbles, as the production of carbon dioxide gas is what gives the mixture its characteristic fizzing and bubbling. The overall reaction can be written as an acid-base reaction, with the acetic acid (vinegar) acting as the acid and the baking soda acting as the base.

Activities with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Remember to have some paper towels or rags on hand!  You can do what you can to try and contain the fizz and the mess, but always expect to be wiping up and prepare before you start mixing.

Make a Volcano

Apple volcano.

During our experiments with apples , we cored out an apple to use as a variation of the classic volcano.  We placed the baking soda in the apple and poured the vinegar over it.

Create a fizzy reaction

Inflate a balloon.

Most people fixate on the fizz and foam created when doing this experiment. The byproduct of the vinegar solution is carbon dioxide gas, which is invisible.  By sealing the reaction in a closed space, we can “see” the results as the balloon gets inflated.  Check it out in our experiments with plastic bottles .

Pro tip: make sure your balloon doesn’t have a hole in it! 

Vinegar and Baking Soda Rocket Fuel

If you tried the experiment to inflate a balloon, you saw how the byproduct gas expands and inflates the balloon.  What if there was no where for the gas to expand?  It’d create increased pressure in a confined space until it stopped expanding – or it’d build up enough pressure to expand further.  

Materials needed:

The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates pressure inside the corked bottle. This pressure builds up until it’s strong enough to push the cork out of the opening, propelling the bottle upwards. The fins at the bottom of the bottle provide stability and keep the rocket flying straight.

Check this out and more in our post on experiments with plastic bottles.

Explore the properties of acids and bases

As you make small tweaks, note the effects of each.  Remember to use the scientific method and make a hypothesis before testing it!

Invisible Ink with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Make a ball.

Science involved: When vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) are mixed together, they undergo a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas gets trapped in the dough-like mixture formed by adding cornstarch, causing the mixture to expand and become bouncy. 

Wrap Up – Vinegar Experiment with Baking Soda

Check out our STEM challenges with household products for more quick and easy experiments for kids, and check out our kitchen science experiments!

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7 Baking Soda and Vinegar STEM Activities for Kids

by Sarah | Activities , Learning , Science | 0 comments

Do you need some fun STEM activities for kids? Here are 7 baking soda and vinegar STEM activities to help teach kids about chemistry and chemical reactions!

I loved chemistry as a kid. I was the kid who asked for a chemistry set for Christmas and played with it up in my room all the time. 

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If you don’t want your kids to have a free reign on producing [potentially dangerous] chemical reactions, you can give them the same satisfaction with baking soda and vinegar!

Baking soda and vinegar is pretty safe to work with and can be a great learning tool for kids from toddlers on up to tweens and even teens. 

The Science Behind the Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction

Baking soda and vinegar are simple ingredients that when put together create a chemical reaction. 

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 the “volcanic” explosions kids love. 

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

Looking for some fun ways to explore baking soda and vinegar? Here are 7 fun baking soda and vinegar activities for kids of all ages. 

7 Fun and Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar STEM Activities for Kids

Most of these activities are fairly easy to put together and you probably have all of the ingredients to create them sitting in your kitchen right now!

Baking Soda Paint

This easy STEAM activity is a wonderful combination of Science and Art that your kids will love! 

Baking soda paints are easily mixed together with just a few ingredients. Then once your art creation is complete you add in some vinegar to create a fizzing reaction to the paints!

This activity is suitable for all ages. 

Learn more: How to Make Baking Soda Paints

Dancing Popcorn Science Experiment

Dancing popcorn is one of my younger kids’ absolute favorite experiments. 

It’s simple enough for them to do themselves (with supervision) and it has a fun visual outcome! 

All you need is baking soda, vinegar, and popcorn!

Learn more: How to Make Dancing Popcorn

Make a Volcano

Volcanoes are a time tested STEM activity that has lasted for generations.

All you need is a few supplies like baking soda, vinegar, and a little soap or food coloring. 

You can make this as fancy as you wish. I know my kids love to take a plastic bottle and some dirt and mud and build up something that looks like a real volcanic mountain. Then add some baking soda to the bottle and pour some soap and vinegar on top and see it erupt!

Blow up a Balloon

Blowing up balloons is so much fun for kids. What makes it even better? Blow up a balloon without using your mouth!

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, but it produces carbon dioxide gas!

This is a simple activity. All you need is:

• a bottle or test tube
• baking soda and vinegar

Place vinegar in the test tube and baking soda in the balloon. Fit the balloon over the top of the test tube and then tip the balloon up so that the baking soda spills into the vinegar below. 

Be sure to hold on to the balloon so it doesn’t shoot off!

Then watch the balloon inflate!

Fizzing Dinosaur Eggs

These fun baking soda dinosaur eggs combine everyone’s favorites for a fun STEM activity for kids that everyone will love!

Make a dough out of baking soda and mold it around tiny dinosaurs to create eggs. Let them harden and use vinegar to hatch out the dinosaurs! What’s more fun that that?!

Learn More: How to Make Baking Soda Dinosaur Eggs

Baking Soda and Vinegar Sensory Station

Sometimes the best way to learn is through free play. 

Kids of all ages will love the freedom of playing with baking soda and vinegar however they wish. 

This baking soda and vinegar sensory tub is all about free play with materials to learn and experiment. All you need is baking soda, vinegar, and a few fun extras. 

Learn More: How to Set Up a Baking Soda and Vinegar Sensory Tub

Exploding Bags

This exploding bags activity is very similar to the blowing up balloons activity. 

Baking soda and vinegar and combined in a closed Ziploc bag and the reaction causes the bag to inflate and eventually burst. Plus you can do all sorts of variations to turn this into a true experiment. 

Learn More: How to Make Exploding Baking Soda and Vinegar Bags

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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. 

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Science project, how to inflate a balloon using baking soda and vinegar.

What is the project about?

Students learn about gas and chemical reactions by discovering how to inflate a balloon using baking soda and vinegar.

What are the goals?

The goal of the project is to demonstrate the power of gas procuded when of baking soda and vinegar are mixed.  The goal is for the balloon to be blown up by the gas created.

Materials and Equipment / Ingredients

What materials are required.

• Balloon (1 per student)
• Small bottle (cleaned glass beverage bottle will work well) (1 per student)
• Small funnel (1 per student)
• Baking soda (2 tablespoons per student)
• Vinegar (4 ounces per student)

Where can the materials be found?

Introduction, research questions.

• What do you think will happen when baking soda and vinegar come in contact (what will be produced)?
• What do you think will happen to the balloon attached?
• Why does the balloon stop blowing up (why does the reaction stop)?

Terms, Concepts and Questions to Start Background Research

For the parent/student, what terms and concepts are required to better understand the project.

The terms carbon dioxide, chemical reaction, reactants, and endothermic should be reviewed.

Experimental Procedure

• Using the funnel, add the baking soda to each balloon (two people may be needed for this; one person to hold the balloon open and the other person to put the baking soda inside of the balloon).
• Pour the vinegar into the bottle.
• Carefully fit the balloon over the bottle opening (be careful not to drop the baking soda into the vinegar yet).
• Once the balloon is fitted snugly on the nozzle, hold up the balloon and allow the baking soda to fall into the vinegar.
• Observe the chemical reaction and effect on the balloon.
• Record observations.

Bibliography / References to related books / Links to related sites on the web

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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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7 Fizzy Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments

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There is something about baking soda and vinegar science experiments that just never gets old. Kids of all ages enjoy these activities, but in my experience, little ones love them the most. They get so excited when they watch the baking soda and vinegar reaction!

When my kids were little I got into the habit of buying large containers of baking soda and white vinegar. These supplies are pretty inexpensive, especially when purchased in bulk. You might not want to use them in food prep after a while, but they are always good for science experiments.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (water and acetic acid) form carbon dioxide gas when they are mixed together.

These easy science experiments are sure to be a hit! Creating an acid-base reaction is a fun way to learn about chemical reactions.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments

Tip – I recommend doing all of the vinegar and baking soda science experiments on a baking sheet or outside. The fizzy reactions can get messy quickly!

Classic Volcano

Making a volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. This activity can fit in with a science lesson about chemical reactions, but it can also be a great volcano demonstration in a lesson about volcanos.

You will need:

• Container to hold the baking soda
• Baking soda
• Playdough or clay (if you want to form a classic volcano shape)

First, gather all of your materials. You can use pretty much any container to make the volcano. I used a beaker from my science cabinet, but you could use a drinking glass, a mason jar, a clean can, etc. I have even seen people make a big baking soda and vinegar volcanos using sand buckets! (Definitely do that outside for easy cleanup.)

I recommend putting the volcano in a glass casserole dish to contain the mess.

If you want to form the classic volcano shape, use playdough or clay to add a slope to your container. You can also paint it if you want. Let this harden and dry before adding baking soda or vinegar.

When your volcano is ready, sprinkle baking soda into your container. Different volcanos will need different amounts of baking soda. If you have a small container you will just need a little. If you use a large container you will need a lot.

When everyone is ready, pour the vinegar onto the baking soda. The fizzy chemical reaction happens pretty much instantly.

Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs

This fizzy dinosaur eggs activity from Kim at TheBestIdeasForKids.com is going to be a hit with any young children who love dinosaurs. Kids can help prepare the baking soda eggs and then use the vinegar to make them ‘hatch’ or an adult can prepare the eggs ahead of time.

• Food coloring
• Small plastic dinosaurs (or whatever you want inside of the eggs)
• Squirt bottle or dropper

Get the full fizzy dinosaur egg directions .

Drop Painting

I loved setting my kids up with this activity when they were toddlers – early elementary. It was my go-to activity when I needed them to be engaged at the kitchen table so I could supervise them while cooking. They had a great time and I was able to cook without little hands helping.

• Baking tray or dish
• Cups – one for each color
• Different colors of food coloring
• Dropper or pipette – one for each color

To set up this activity, add a layer of baking soda to a baking dish. Then add vinegar to small cups. I used an assortment of recycled glass jars. Add a few drops of food coloring to each cup. Kids can help mix primary colors to create secondary colors. Put a pipette or dropper in each cup.

Now kids can use the pipettes to drop colored vinegar onto the baking soda. Everywhere that a drop of vinegar hits the baking soda kids will see bubbles in the color of the vinegar.

Some kids like to make a picture using the baking soda as a temporary canvas. Other kids just enjoy the process. Either way, they are having fun experimenting with baking soda and vinegar. This sort of activity when kids are young lays a foundation for understanding chemical reactions when they are older.

Hot ice seems like an oxymoron, but it is actually a really cool science experiment using baking soda and vinegar. This activity has a few more steps than some of the other ideas, but kids will be delighted with the result.

• Baking Soda
• Glass measuring cup
• Glass pie plate
• Refrigerator

Get the full directions for hot ice from PlaydoughtoPlato.com .

Hidden Colors

This hidden colors activity is similar to the vinegar drop painting activity. It uses the same basic supplies, but the order is different.

• Mini-muffin tin
• Vinegar in a cup
• Dropper or pipette

Put a few drops of food coloring in each mini-muffin tin well. Cover it with a thin layer of baking soda. You want enough baking soda to cover the food coloring, but not enough to fill up the muffin tin. When it is ready, kids shouldn’t be able to tell what color is in which spot.

Pour vinegar into a cup and give your child a dropper or pipette.

Kids can slowly add drops of vinegar to each well of baking soda until they can see the color mix in with the carbon dioxide bubbles.

Exploding Bag

I think most kids go through a phase where they like to watch things explode. In my house that happened in the late elementary and early middle school years.

This baking soda and vinegar activity will make kids who love explosions happy.

I think it is a good idea to do this activity outside because it can get messy! The aftermath of a baking soda and vinegar explosion can feel gritty so it is helpful if it is done on a driveway so it can be hosed off.

• Plastic bag with a zip seal
• Permanent markers (optional)

Get the full directions for making an exploding bag at MomBrite.com .

Inflate a Balloon

Watching fizzy bubbles and explosions can be fun, but this baking soda and vinegar experiment helps kids understand that chemical reactions can be useful. They will attempt to inflate a balloon using baking soda and vinegar. Now, this certainly isn’t the most efficient way to blow up a balloon, but it gets kids thinking about science as useful.

• Plastic bottle

Get the full directions at HappyBrownHouse.com .

I hope your kids enjoyed these simple science experiments! Once they have tried a few of these simple baking soda and vinegar activities, let them try making changes to see if the results change. Maybe they can try using lemon juice instead of vinegar and see what happens!

Check out these other science activities for kids!

• How to Grow a Germ Farm
• Rock Cycle Activities for Middle School
• Helpful Science Vocabulary Activities

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Welcome! My name is Jennifer. I am a teacher at heart. Before my children were born I was a public school teacher. Now, I am a homeschooling mom of two.

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Baking Soda and Vinegar Science: 50 Fizzy Explorations for Kids

Baking and soda and vinegar science is always popular with kids. They love the fizzy reactions. I have made a list of 50 ways to explore baking soda and vinegar. Start with the classic mixing and go from there. I get commissions for purchases made through the affiliate links in this post.

50 Fizzy Ways to Explore Baking Soda and Vinegar Science

What happens in the baking soda and vinegar reaction.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a base and vinegar (acetic acid) is an acid. When combined, they react to form water, a salt (sodium acetate), and carbon dioxide gas. The bubbles produced by the reaction are the carbon dioxide gas escaping the water. If you add soap, the carbon dioxide gas will blow soap bubbles. You’ll get stable bubbles or frothy foam depending on what type and how much soap you use.

Start Simple

Start with simple baking soda and vinegar explorations . Let your child experience the basic reaction.

Add some color and dish soap for a little extra excitement. Compare the reaction with and without dish soap.

Color surprise – Hide the liquid watercolor or food coloring under the baking soda. When vinegar is added, the color will appear.

Set up an experiment to find out what reacts with baking soda . Here’s another way to setup the baking soda experiment .

Answer the question: what makes the biggest eruption? with this experiment idea from No Time for Flashcards that compares baking soda, baking powder, and corn starch.

Exploding Baggies – See how carbon dioxide is formed through the chemical reaction. Use the reaction to explode some plastic baggies.

Blow Up a Balloon – Use the chemical reaction to blow up a balloon with carbon dioxide. Add baking soda and vinegar to a bottle. Quickly put a balloon on top to trap the carbon dioxide. The balloon will expand as the reaction occurs.

Blow Bubbles – The baking soda and vinegar reaction can also blow bubbles.

Swap vinegar for different acids to change up the explorations. Citric acid (found in the canning aisle), lemon juice, and __ are great substitutions.

See what happens when you add things to the baking soda and vinegar. Fun at Home with Kids compares the reaction when adding bubble solution and dish soap.

Also try adding corn starch, flour, salt, or other edible things from your kitchen. Does anything make the reaction bigger? Does anything prevent the reaction?

Use Kool Aid instead of vinegar for a fun sensory experience and add a secret ingredient to make the eruptions giant ! Learn Play Imagine has the details.

Fizzy Color Mixing Experiment – add different colors to your vinegar and explore how the colors can mix.

Red cabbage can be used to create color changing fizzy potions . This is one of our absolute favorites.

Add baking soda to snow (or crushed ice) and make fizzy snow !

Write secret messages with baking soda – The baking soda makes invisible ink. An acid like grape juice or lemon juice will reveal the secret message.

Make a lava lamp with baking soda and vinegar. Watch the how-to video .

Build a baking soda rocket . Science Sparks has the instructions.

Science Sparks also shows us how to make a baking soda powered boat .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcanoes

Baking soda and vinegar volcanoes are a fun science exploration for kids.

Learn how to make a tape volcano or check out 10 ways to make a volcano .

A pocket volcano is a fun way to watch the baking soda and vinegar reaction.

See our collection of volcano books, science kits, and toys.

Volcanoes don’t really erupt like a simple baking soda and vinegar reaction. Learn how to change up the recipe and to create different kinds of volcanoes .

Make a fizzy slime volcano . Little Bins for Little Hands combines two kid favorites with this one.

Fizzy Doughs

If your dough includes baking soda, it will react with vinegar.

Take the baking soda clay and use it to make a fizzy snowman .

Create a fizzy snow dough sensory bin .

Fizzy Coconut Lime Play Dough – a lovely sensory experience! This dough is super soft because of the combination of cornstarch and coconut conditioner. The smell is amazing. The addition of baking soda to the dough makes it fizz when you add vinegar.

Fizzy Valentine Play Dough – another soft and squishy dough that fizzes and bubbles when you add vinegar. This one has the lime replaced with liquid water colors for a valentine theme.

Halloween Fizzy Play Dough – same recipe as above just orange for Halloween.

Fizzing Pinkalicious Cupcake Experiment – Can you create fizzing pinkalicious cupcakes with the ingredients provided. What combination produces the best/most fizz?

Baking Soda Painted Leaves – Combine baking soda and vinegar with paint to create a fun fall themed STEAM activity.

Baking Soda Painted Apple Art – This apple themed STEAM activity again uses baking soda and vinegar to paint apples.

Baking Soda Painted Pumpkins – We also used the fizzy baking soda and vinegar reaction to paint pumpkins.

Baking Soda Painted Christmas Tree – Paint with baking soda and vinegar to make a Christmas tree.

Fizzy Spider Web Art – Sprinkle baking soda on a spider web drawing. Add colorful vinegar for a wonderful STEAM process activity. Take photos because this project does not save well. It’s all about the process.

Frozen vinegar hearts are one of our most popular ideas. Also try the summer version of frozen vinegar . You can freeze it into any shape. Freezing slows down the reaction. You will get fewer or slower fizzy bubbles.

Frozen Baking Soda Pumpins – Freeze baking soda shaped like pumpkins. Use vinegar to react with the baking soda and rescue the treasures hidden inside.

Frozen Baking Soda Dragon Eggs – Our favorite frozen baking soda idea. Help the dragons hatch from their eggs in this frozen, fizzy activity.

Make It Halloween Themed

Halloween Science: Baking Soda & Vinegar Exploration – Use halloween themed cookie cutters and orange vinegar.

Fizzy juice potions lab – Fruit juice, candy, and Halloween decorations create a delicious and fun potions lab.

What’s in the Witch’s Kitchen? Science Exploration and Potions Lab – another version of our potions lab with Halloween themed food inspired by the book, What’s in the Witch’s Kitchen?

Make It Valentine Themed

Melting Hearts Word Search – Use frozen baking soda to hide letters. Vinegar reveals the hidden letters by “melting” the heart-shaped baking soda.

Valentine Heart Bubble Painting – Use the baking soda and vinegar reaction to create bubbles and make art.

Valentine Potion and Tasting Experiment – Make your own fizzy fruit drink.

Candy Heart Reactions – Will valentine candy hearts react with baking soda or vinegar? Set up an experiment to find out.

Candy Heart Ingredients Experiment – This candy science experiment tests which ingredient in candy hearts reacts with baking soda.

Dancing Candy Hearts – Use the baking soda and vinegar reaction to make candy hearts appear to dance.

Make It Christmas Themed

Christmas Science: Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Cookie Cutters – Use Christmas themed cookie cutters to explore the baking soda and vinegar reaction.

Dancing Candy Canes – Use the baking soda and vinegar reaction to make candy canes float up and down.

Fizzy Christmas Trees – Use the same technique as the Fizzy Spider Webs but draw a Christmas tree instead of a web.

What is your favorite way to explore baking soda and vinegar?

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Fun & Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments

Published: July 5, 2022

Contributor: Jeannette Tuionetoa

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

If you have baking soda and vinegar at home, it is all you need for super science fun. These baking soda and vinegar science experiments are easy to do and your kids will love them!

Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments

What is the best thing about vinegar and baking soda science experiments? You have everything you need right in your pantry! These fun and cheap science experiments may be super easy, yet they will still add excitement to your science lessons.

Basic Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments

If you are looking for a simple baking soda and vinegar experiment, try this classic.

Classic Vinegar and Baking Soda Science Experiment

Here are the materials needed for this classic science experiment:

• Baking soda
• Tall and narrow plastic container
• Rimmed tray to make sure it captures any overflows
• Food coloring

Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment Directions

• Pour baking soda into the plastic container and add a few drops of the food coloring.
• Pour vinegar over the baking soda and drops of food coloring with a medicine dropper.
• Watch in awe as the reaction bubbles up and fizzles over the edge of the container. Add props like Legos or toys to make a whole scene of bubbly, fizzy fun.

Homemade Fizzy Sidewalk Paint

Here are the materials needed for the Homemade Fizzy Sidewalk Chalk Paint science experiment:

• 2 cups of baking soda
• 1 cup of cornstarch

Fizzy Sidewalk Paint Directions

• Grab a squirt or squeeze bottle, muffin tins, and paint brushes.
• Mix the ingredients all together and pour them into the muffin tins. Of course, do this a few times with different colors.
• Grab paint brushes, get outdoors and start your creations.

Baking Soda Vinegar Volcano

I am sure you have seen a baking and soda and vinegar volcano, right? This easy baking soda and vinegar volcano eruption is fun and your kids can do it independently.

This experiment only takes about three minutes to prep . Here are the materials needed for easy baking soda and vinegar volcano eruption for kids:

• Plastic cup
• 4 tbs of baking soda
• 1 tsp of dish soap
• ½ oz to 2 oz of washable paint
• 1 cup  of vinegar (8 oz of vinegar that will start your eruption)

How to Make Your Volcano Erupt

• Have your young children make a mound of gravel and place the cup on top of it with gravel developing it into a mountain shape.
• Combine all the ingredients together.
• Pour the mixture into the cup and then the vinegar when you are ready for eruption.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment for Kids

This is a fun take on a simple experiment. Check out this baking soda and vinegar powered boat .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Powered Boat

Here are the materials needed for Baking Soda and Vinegar Powered Boat experiment:

• Small empty plastic water bottle
• Kitchen paper roll
• Straw vinegar
• Bath or large tub/container

Directions for Baking Soda and Vinegar Powered Boat Experiment

• Pierce a hole in the water bottle for the star to go through it. Tape up the gap to prevent any air from escaping the water bottle.
• Pour vinegar into the plastic bottle and then replace the lid.
• Tap some baking soda on a small piece of kitchen roll.
• Stuff the tissue-wrapped baking soda in the bottle and swiftly cover it with the lid.
• Place the plastic bottle in the water and just watch it zoom away.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction

So, what exactly happens with a baking soda and vinegar reaction? Mixing vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) together cause a chemical reaction that makes salt (sodium acetate), water, and carbon dioxide gas. These experiments are exciting for students to do.

There are two separate reactions when baking soda and vinegar mix. There is an acid base reaction and a decomposition reaction.

Acid-based reaction – Hydrogen ions and vinegar react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions that are in baking soda. The result is two chemicals called carbonic acid and sodium acetate.

Decomposition reaction – The carbonic acid and sodium acetate from the acid-based reaction decompose into water (H2O) and carbon dioxide gas.

Baking Soda And Vinegar Science Experiments FAQ

Here are some common questions people ask when mixing baking soda and vinegar.

What happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar and water?

Mixing baking soda and vinegar and water produces carbon dioxide gas which forms bubbles in the foaming mixture. It forms a fizzing reaction of carbon dioxide that consequently is awesome for cleaning and freshening sinks and drains.

What happens if you mix baking soda vinegar and food coloring?

It is important to listen in when mixing the baking soda vinegar and food coloring to hear the fizz. Mixing these three items develops a fizzy foam full of food coloring colors. Make a rainbow or use your young scientist’s favorite colors for a super cool colourful chemical reaction science experiment.

What science experiments can you do with baking soda?

Here is a list of experiments that can be done with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

• Baking soda paint
• Blow-up balloon science
• Fizzing Dinosaur Eggs
• Fizzing Sidewalk Paint
• Sandbox Eruption
• Slime Volcano

What science experiments can I do with vinegar?

Here is a list of experiments that can be done with vinegar (acetic acid).

• Vinegar and Milk Shapes
• Color Mixing Science Activity
• Vinegar Penny Magic
• Nails, Wire, and Vinegar
• Gas, bubbles, eruption!
• Fizzing Rubber Band Snap Art

In Conclusion

Big kids and even a busy toddler will have a great time enjoying these exciting experiments that are super easy, but loads of learning fun. 

You might also enjoy mason jar science experiments , and easy science experiments for kids.

• Experiments

Jeannette Tuionetoa

Jeannette is a wife, mother and homeschooling mom. She has been mightily, saved by grace and is grateful for God’s sovereignty throughout her life’s journey. She has a Bachelor in English Education and her MBA. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. She posts daily freebies for homeschoolers!

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Science Color By Number

Our Science Color by Number worksheets are designed to combine the excitement of science with the creativity of coloring, making learning an enjoyable experience for elementary-aged kids. Pair these with fantastic science experiments all year.

What is Science Color by Number?

Science Color by Number is a set of printable worksheets in which each picture section is assigned a number corresponding to a specific color. As kids color the sections, a scientific image such as a microscope, test tube, or light bulb appears. This activity introduces basic scientific concepts in a visually appealing way.

• Printable sheets (see below)
• Crayons, colored pencils, or markers

Age Recommendations

The Science Color by Number worksheets are ideal for children in grades K-3 . They are simple enough for younger kids to follow but engaging enough to capture the interest of older elementary students. These worksheets are suitable for various settings.

💡Explore all of our free color by number worksheets [here] .

Extension Activities

To make the most out of this activity, here are some extension ideas that will further deepen kids’ understanding of science concepts:

Science Tools : After completing the color by number worksheet, encourage kids to share what they colored. Discuss what the image represents in the scientific world. For instance, if they colored a microscope, talk about how microscopes help scientists observe things too small to be seen with the naked eye. Learn more about science tools [here] .

Science Journals: Have the kids paste their finished worksheets into a science journal. Below the image, they can write a sentence or two about what they learned. This will help reinforce the concepts for future lessons.

💡 Find more printable STEM worksheets and science worksheets for journals [here] .

Hands-on Experiments: Pair the color-by-number activity with a related hands-on experiment. If the worksheet features a beaker or test tube, you could conduct a simple experiment involving liquids, like mixing baking soda and vinegar , to see a reaction.

Color Mixing Science : Before starting the color by number activity, introduce a mini-lesson on color mixing. Discuss how primary colors mix to make secondary colors.

STEM Integration: Use the color by number sheets as part of a larger STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) lesson. For example, after coloring a magnet, explore the concepts of magnetism by playing with magnets and various materials to see what sticks. Check out our Magnet activities [here].

Free Printable Science Color By Number

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
• Elementary Science by Season
• Science for 1st Grade
• Science for 2nd Grade
• Science for 3rd Grade
• Science for 4th Grade
• Science for 5th Grade
• Science for 6th Grade
• Science for Middle School

More Fun Science Activities

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

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