white vinegar and baking soda science experiment

Save Your Favorite Ideas

Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment

This classic science experiment is always a favorite activity for kids. And it’s easy to put together too! You only need baking soda, food coloring, water and vinegar. Kids will loving making this fizzy rainbow.

RELATED: Rain Cloud in a Jar

Rainbow Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment

Kids love doing this easy science experiment. Not only is it a fun activity but it’s a great learning exercise too. They also get to practice fine motor work by using a pipette or dropper.

To save steps, you can also do this experiment by using regular baking soda shaped into a rainbow. Then just add a few drops along the arches of the food coloring.

The Science

What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda?

You see the bubbling and foaming but what is causing this reaction? The baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a base while the vinegar (acetic acid) is an acid and what you are seeing is an acid/base reaction. Initially, the reaction makes carbonic acid which is unstable and breaks down into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water which is what creates all of the fizzing and bubbles as the gas leaves the water.

Supplies Needed to do a Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment

– Baking Soda – we like this large 5 lb bag for activities

– Food Coloring Gel (one in each color of the rainbow) – we like to use this liquid food coloring gel since it’s concentrated and makes the colors really vibrant

– Dropper

– Water

– Vinegar

Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

How to do a fizzy baking soda and vinegar experiment.

1. Start by placing 1 cup of baking soda into a bowl.

2. In a pouring cup, add 3 tablespoons of water. Mix in 1-2 drops of red food coloring into the water. If using regular food coloring, you may need to add more drops to make it more vibrant.

3. Pour the food colored water into the bowl with baking soda and mix until the baking soda is dyed.

It should still be a powdery-like texture and look like the following:

Repeat the above steps for Yellow and Orange. 

For Green, Blue and Purple , mix only 1/2 cup of baking soda to 1.5 tablespoons of water (you don’t need as much of these colors to make the rainbow so you can halve the recipe above.

4.  Lay out the colors onto a white tray or baking sheet. Protect your table if needed so the food coloring does not go onto your table.

5.  Put vinegar in a bowl and then let kids use a dropper to drop the vinegar onto the rainbow.

Kids love seeing the reaction the baking soda and vinegar makes together!

We love how easy this science experiment is to set up. And kids love to use the droppers to make the vinegar/baking soda reaction.

The rainbow version is a lot of fun to try! We hope you enjoy this easy science experiment!

More Science Experiments

Try this fun and easy Grow a Rainbow Experiment . You only need washable markers and paper towel!

For another fun experiment, make some oobleck! 

Try a rainbow rain cloud in the jar experiment!

Related Ideas:

Cloud Dough

The BEST Playdough Recipe

How to Make Slime With Contact Solution

50+ Christmas Crafts for Kids

Share a comment.

We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or comment here.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cancel Reply

Sign up for my FREE newsletter and get new ideas to your inbox!

Get Your ALL ACCESS Shop Pass here →

Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments

Kids love easy science experiments you can do with baking soda and vinegar. When baking soda and vinegar combine, you get an incredible chemical reaction everyone will want to try. Check out our top baking soda and vinegar science experiments for preschool through middle school.

Take a look at how we give this classic science experiment a twist with the activities below. These are our favorite ways to explore a fizzing reaction. Use this safe experiment as an easy way to introduce a chemical reaction to younger kids.

See our list of preschool science experiments and elementary science experiments .

All you need are a few simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen! Baking soda, vinegar, and a little food coloring will keep your kids busy for quite a while. We have also included a few other ingredients that react with baking soda to make it fizz. Find unique ways to enjoy this fun experiment any day of the year!

💡 You can easily try this experiment at home or in a classroom, making it easy to do!

Free Printable Fizzy Reactions Guide

If you love mixing baking soda and vinegar, look through the experiments below and grab the free printable baking soda and vinegar fizzy reactions guide !

Apple Volcano

Grab an apple that’s ready to be composted and try this fall theme baking soda and vinegar activity!

Baking Soda and Cranberry Juice

What happens when you add cranberry juice to baking soda? Fizzing cranberries ! What about lemon juice or lime juice like this Lemon Volcano ? Find out with these citric acid experiments.

Baking Soda Fizzy Paint

Try fizzy painting! Make your own cool fizzy art with baking soda and vinegar paint for a fun and easy art meets science activity. Try this fizzy heart !

Baking Soda Moon Rocks

Here we made our own DIY moon rocks for a cool space theme activity for kids.

Balloon Experiment

Can you blow up a balloon using only baking soda and vinegar?

Baking Soda Bottle Rocket

Combine physics and chemistry with this unique baking soda and vinegar science experiment! Kids will love blasting off a bottle rocket .

Bubbling Slime

This is by far one of the  coolest slime recipes we have to date because it combines two things we love: slime making and baking soda and vinegar reactions.

Classic Baking Soda Volcano

Vinegar volcanoes are always a hit, and you can make them in several ways. We are using the classic baking soda volcano to test our science skills! Learn how to make a batch of salt dough and craft a volcano fit for this science experiment.

Cookie Cutter Baking Soda Experiments

Grab your cookie cutters for a fun and easy baking soda project. Try different themes with your holiday cookie cutters. Try these fizzing snowflakes!

Dancing Corn

Dancing corn is usually a favorite baking soda and vinegar experiment around Thanksgiving for us! The alternative to this type of science project is done with a carbonated liquid, such as this dancing raisins science experiment.

Dinosaur Volcano

What’s more fun than combining dinosaur play and a baking soda and vinegar reaction! This dinosaur volcano activity provides an opportunity for younger kids to learn about dinosaurs, volcanoes, and the natural world in a hands-on way.

Fizzing Dinosaur Eggs

The coolest dinosaur activity EVER!! A fun variation on a baking soda and vinegar reaction where kids can hatch out their own dinosaurs.

Fizzing Sidewalk Paint

This is an awesome way to take science outside and turn it into STEAM! Get outdoors, paint pictures, and enjoy a kid-favorite fizzing chemical reaction.

LEGO Volcano

Build your own volcano with basic LEGO bricks and watch it erupt over and over again.

Popping Bags

Another unique way to try a baking soda experiment outside! How to make an exploding plastic bag.

Sandbox Eruption

Take your baking soda project outdoors and build a baking soda and vinegar bottle rocket in your sandbox.

Snow Volcano

This makes for a great winter science experiment! Take the baking soda and vinegar fun outdoors and create your very own erupting snow-cano!

Watermelon-Cano

We love to make anything erupt… Also check out our apple volcano , pumpkin volcano and even a puking pumpkin .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Fair Project

Set this up as a Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Fair Project! Learn more about Science Fair Projects here and grab the free pack.

• Try using different baking soda and vinegar ratios to see how they affect the reaction.
• Add food coloring to the vinegar to create a colorful eruption.
• Test other household substances, such as lemon juice , orange juice, or cranberry juice , to compare their reaction with baking soda.
• Add dish soap and compare the eruptions.
• Try using containers with different size openings to observe the pressure the gas exerts, causing the eruption.

💡 Read more about the Scientific Method for Kids here!

What Makes Baking Soda Fizz?

Baking soda is made up of tiny particles called molecules. Each molecule has three different elements: sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen.

Something exciting happens when baking soda comes into contact with an acid, like vinegar! The acid (vinegar) and the base (baking soda) react. The vinegar donates a hydrogen ion to the baking soda during this reaction.

The hydrogen ion combines with the bicarbonate ion in baking soda to form carbonic acid. This is unstable and quickly breaks into water and carbon dioxide gas.

The carbon dioxide gas is why baking soda starts to fizz and bubble. The gas tries to escape from the mixture, creating bubbles that rise to the surface. These bubbles make a fizzing sound and give the impression of a mini volcano eruption!

So, when you mix baking soda with an acid like vinegar, you get a fantastic fizzy reaction due to the production of carbon dioxide gas. It’s truly an exciting and visually appealing demonstration of a chemical reaction!

You might also like: Cool Chemistry Projects for Kids

Endothermic Reaction

Mixing baking soda and vinegar is an endothermic reaction because the carbonic acid needs to take in energy from its surroundings (the mixture of baking soda and vinegar).

This process of taking in energy is what makes the reaction endothermic. And as it takes energy, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates all the exciting fizz and bubbles you see! It’s like a bit of science magic happening right before our eyes!

You might also like: Elephant Toothpaste (Exothermic Reaction)

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

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

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• DIY Science Kits
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• Citizen Science Guide
• Join us in the Club

Printable Science Projects For Kids

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

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

One Comment

I am a regular visitor of your website. Thanks for the great article. By following this article I created youtube video of my son showing step by step tutorial of Magic Balloon Science Experiment for Kids using Baking Soda and Vinegar – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl_OMitc150

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

Fun & Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments for Kids

Krystal DeVille

August 1, 2023

One of the simplest but satisfying DIY science experiments is the baking soda and vinegar reaction.

From volcanoes to bottle rockets, this experiment packs a punch. Fun for kids (and adults) of all ages, the baking soda, and the vinegar experiment are fun ways to learn about chemical reactions.

Table of Contents

How Baking Soda & Vinegar Reaction Works – a Simple Explanation

When baking soda and vinegar come together, a chemical reaction occurs. Chemical reactions are a process where two different things come together to make something new.

In this chemical reaction baking soda and vinegar make bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. The chemical reaction is what makes the mixture fizz.

How The Reaction Works – A Complex Explanation

Baking soda and vinegar experiments are an endothermic, acid-base reaction. Baking soda is the base , and vinegar is the acid .

What’s a Base:

In chemistry, a base is a chemical species which donates electrons, takes protons, or releases hydroxide (OH-) ions in an aqueous solution. Bases display specific characteristic properties which may be utilized to help identify them. ( Definition from ThoughtCo.com )

They are usually slippery to the touch (e.g., soap), may taste bitter, react with acids to form salts, and catalyze particular reactions.

What’s an Acid:

An acid is a chemical species which donates protons or hydrogen ions and/or takes electrons . Most acids have a hydrogen atom ensured that may discharge (dissociate) to give a cation and an anion in water.

The higher the concentration of hydrogen ions generated by an acid, the greater its acidity and the lower the pH of the solution. ( Definition from ThoughtCo.com )

When baking soda and vinegar are mixed, it releases an unstable substance called carbonic acid. The carbonic acid breaks down into carbon dioxide gas and water. As the gas quickly leaves the water, the substance fizzes.

The process is endothermic, which means the reaction absorbs heat from its’ environment. This energy is what activates the chemical reaction. Endothermic reactions are cold, which is why the baking soda and vinegar mixture becomes cold to touch.

Kids Science Activity With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Now that we have the reason for the reaction with baking soda and vinegar, let’s get into the fun part, science experiments!

Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction

This first one will be very straight forward with only a few things needed. Your basically just mixing the chemicals together with different ratios each time and documenting with ratio gives the biggest reaction.

Supplies Needed

Here is what you will need for a successful baking soda and vinegar reaction:

• Baking Soda. (This is a big bag of baking soda we used from Amazon)
• White Vinegar. (This is the bottle of White Vinegar we used fro Amazon but you should be able to find it easy at a supermarket too)
• A Container (I.E., a plastic bottle or a water cup)
• Food Coloring (optional, but it can add fun to the experiment. Using different food colorings (Amazon link) is a great way to compare experiments). You can also find this at just about any supermarket as well.
• Table Spoon or Measuring Cup (this will depend on your container’s size and how big of a reaction you want to see).

Step By Step Process

Now, here’s how you do it:

Fill your container with baking soda. If your container is on the smaller side, I recommend one tablespoon of baking soda.

If you are using a large container, you could add more baking soda. Experiment with different amounts to find out what creates the most fizz.

Now, you’ll need to add vinegar. The more vinegar, the more explosive the reaction (unless you add TOO much).

A 12 to 1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda is a good place to start. So, if you used one tablespoon of baking soda, add 12 tablespoons of white vinegar.

Watch your creation fizz and bubble! Try experimenting with different ratios of vinegar and baking soda to add to the learning experience.

Notice the reaction times of the baking soda and vinegar when you change the amounts used. How are they similar? How are they different?

Rainbow Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment

This experiment was more for my five-year-old daughter but it turned out my eight-year-old son loved it too.

I thought this one was going to get a little messy so we took it outside. It’s also a good idea if your kids are in play clothes just in case they get a little wild with this STEM experiment.

If you’re already going to have everything out from doing the basic experiment from above you might as well do this one too; my kids loved this one!

• Baking soda & Vinegar (of course right!?) (Both links go to Amazon)
• A baking sheet to spread the baking soda. A baking sheet works well.
• Food coloring.
• A small dropper like this one from Amazon, bright color droppers.
• This is optional because we wanted to see how half the baking sheet would react with Pure Citric Acid. (Amazon link)

Fill the baking tray up with baking soda. Make sure to put a smooth layer covering the pan evenly.

Add droplets of food coloring in different spots. Use different colors to surprise your kids when doing to experiment.

Use a thin layer of baking soda to cover up the food coloring droplets. This layer doesn’t need to be that thick.

Take the baking sheet outside or in a safe area, use the dropper with vinegar to find the area with the food coloring. Kids will find it fun to discover where the different colors are on the baking sheet hiding in the baking soda.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

This is another fun chemistry science experiment kids will love! Watching a balloon fill up from a chemistry got a big reaction from my kids.

• A plastic bottle. We used a water bottle, (16oz).
• Baking Soda & Vinegar (Amazon links). A 12 to 1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda is a good place to start.
• A balloon of any color.
• A funnel to easily fill the ballon with baking soda.

Use the funnel to add baking soda inside the balloon. We also tried it the other way of filling the balloon with vinegar but the kids spilled some vinegar that way.

Fill the plastic bottle with vinegar.

Secure the lip of the balloon on the top of the plastic bottle. Make sure not to spill any of the baking soda in the bottle yet or the chemical reaction will happen before you fully secure the balloon.

My kids had a bit of trouble getting the balloon on so you’ll have to help with this step.

Tilt the baking soda inside the balloon into the bottle of vinegar!

If you’d like to check out another fun kids’ chemistry experiment, click to see our, Exploding Colors Experiment with Baking Soda & Vinegar. Also, our 6 Simple Chemistry Experiments for Kids That You Can Do at Home .

Baking Soda Rocket

This is a fun one my kids really enjoyed. You can see when the rocket took off, and it caught them off guard.

You can build a rocket from stuff you have at home already, but we decided to buy a kit with the rocket already. If you want to check out the baking soda rocket kit, we ended up getting, you can follow this link to see the current price.

The kit will come with instructions but you’re going to set your base on solid grown, away from anything you don’t want messy.

Put vinegar in the bottle. Then add the baking soda. Quickly push the cork down into the opening. Set the rocket down, and a few seconds later, the rocket will take off.

Safety Tips

Remember to use basic safety precautions when trying this experiment. At large amounts, this can be somewhat explosive (in a good way). If you have limited space, try using smaller amounts of each substance.

If you are trying for a HUGE reaction, go outside. Eye protection is highly recommended when performing this experiment, especially at high volumes.

Don’t stand directly over the container – make sure to keep your distance. Have plenty of towels and clean up supplies ready to go.

Questions and Answers About Mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar Together

What Happens When You Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda Together?

When you mix baking soda and vinegar, a chemical reaction occurs. The chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide gas, which causes the mixture to fizz.

What Affects the Rate of the Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction?

Temperature will affect the rate of the baking soda and vinegar reaction. Higher temperatures will cause a faster reaction, while colder temperatures will cause a slower reaction.

Does Baking Soda and Vinegar Get Hot?

No, baking soda and vinegar will actually get cold. This is because it is an endothermic reaction, which consumes energy.

What Is the Chemical Reaction of Vinegar and Baking Soda Called?

The chemical reaction of vinegar and baking soda is called an acid-base reaction. When an acid (vinegar) is combined with a base (baking soda), it creates something new (carbon dioxide gas).

Wrapping Up

We like that these are simple and relatively mess free science experiments you can do at home. There’s a ton of ways of mixing baking soda and vinegar together, but let us know what you and your family found to be the best way down in the comments!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

most recent

Activities and Games , Toy Gift Guides

Best stem subscription boxes for kids: hands-on reviews.

Teach Kids to Code , Activities and Games , Technology , Toy Gift Guides

11 best coding robots to teach kids to code (for all ages).

Activities and Games , Math

20 stem projects that are great for middle school.

Engineering

6 projects for learning about simple machines.

Amplify Your Outdoor Living Space with Garden Décor

35 Must-Know Stats & Facts About Natural Latex Mattresses

Easy Gardening Shortcuts for Beginners

STEM Education Guide

[email protected] STEM Education Guide 9125 SVL BOX Victorville, CA 92395

Your Compass for STEM Discovery

© 2024 STEM Education Guide

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?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© 2024 Inspiration Laboratories

Suggested keywords:

• Science Experiments
• DIY Experiments
• School Experiments
• Kids Experiments
• Lab Experiments

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

• Share this :

Mohamed Aslam

Related posts, water experiments, most popular, how to make waterproof bag, how to make slime at home, how to send a secret message like a secret agent, how to mix soft drink and baking soda: a refreshing experiment, to our newsletter.

Preschool Inspirations

Preschool Activities and Learning

Simple and Fun Vinegar and Baking Soda Science Experiments

November 30, 2017 by Katie T. Christiansen 2 Comments

Baking soda and vinegar science experiments are some of the best simple science activities for children! Pull out the kitchen ingredients for these simple yet magical activities for kids!

Another name for baking soda is sodium bicarbonate if you are not familiar with the term baking soda.

I save these for the times that I want to wow the kids. It’s honestly so simple to do, but they ask for them over and over again. Plus, they are super affordable to make too!

Vinegar and Baking Soda Science Experiments

These vinegar and baking soda science videos are some of our favorite science activities for kids!

Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano

The key to my bright colors is using tempera paint instead of food coloring or liquid watercolor. We just use baking soda, vinegar, water, dish soap, and paint! Get all of the directions to my baking soda and vinegar volcano !

Baking Soda and Vinegar Fine Motor Activity

This bottle cap fine motor play is sure to be a winner! I highly recommend using some pipettes or medicine droppers for this activity to start the fun!

Baking Soda and Vinegar play recipe

This Magic Puffing snow  play recipe uses baking soda and turns it into “snow.” Add some vinegar when you’re done, and watch the reaction!

Colorful Vinegar and Baking Soda Science Reactions

This mom is also a science teacher, so she gives a great baking soda and vinegar experiment explanation. She makes it super for us to understand so now you can tell kids all about the chemical reaction taking place.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

Watch a balloon inflate with the magic of baking soda and vinegar! This is sure to amaze the kids!

Exploding Bag Experiment

This science experiment is too fun for trying outside because an exploding Ziploc bag is incredible! Read all of the instructions to make your own exploding bag experiment .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Color Experiment

This vinegar and baking soda color science experiment from Busy Toddler is so fun and irresistible. We love to do it over and over again!

Baking Soda and Vinegar Rocket

Make a baking soda and vinegar rocket! I would say adult supervision is a must on this one, but it is so cool and well worth it!

Baking soda and vinegar science experiments for kids are hands-down awesome and so fun to watch! If you’ve not tried them yet, give it a shot!

• Recent Posts

• Rainbow Sensory Bottle - March 3, 2024
• Teaching Neurodivergent Children in Early Childhood Education - January 8, 2024
• Creating Musical Memories: Teaching Music in Preschool - October 6, 2023

July 30, 2019 at 2:52 am

Thank you so much for sharing this! We had tons of fun yesterday with the rocket. After the first round, my husband suggested taping little lights to the bottom of the bottle and launching it after dark. It was magic! I find it hard to stop browsing your site, it is so full of awesome value! My kiddies are going to benefit big time.

August 1, 2019 at 7:23 am

That makes me so happy! Your husband’s idea was brilliant! I sure wish I could have seen that. Doing science with one of our kids is time well spent that we all love.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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.

Get Free Activities and Exclusive Offers

Blog categories.

• Craft & DIY
• World Holidays

Watch the Video!

Recent Posts

• Celebrate Your Daughter with This Japanese Girls’ Day Craft
• Enjoy a Fun-Filled Day with 10 Non-Screen Activities for Kids
• Spinning Science: How to Make a Tornado in a Bottle
• These Cute Easter Bunny Crafts Are a Hopping Good Time
• 3 Adorable DIY Gifts for Your Kids’ Favorite Teachers

Science Fun

Baking Soda And Vinegar Volcano Kitchen Science Experiment

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

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

Instructions:

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

EXPLORE AWESOME SCIENCE EXPERIMENT VIDEOS!

How it Works:

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

Make This A Science Project:

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

EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!

SUBSCRIBE AND NEVER MISS A NEW SCIENCE FUN VIDEO!

previous experiment

Next experiment.

10+ Fun and Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments

They explode, they erupt, they are messy and boy are they fun! What could cause so much excitement? That’s right, baking soda and vinegar experiments. Go beyond the old baking soda and vinegar volcanoes and discover a world of new experiments to thrill your kids!

Chemistry for Kids – Sodium Bicarbonate and Vinegar Reactions

What you will discover in this article!

Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases. Not seeing our videos? Turn off any adblockers to ensure our video feed can be seen. Or visit our YouTube channel to see if the video has been uploaded there. We are slowly uploading our archives. Thanks!

We love science experiments around here, but, often for my own sanity, we keep things easy, by just playing with variations of our favourite physics or chemistry reactions. One of our all time favourites is the simple baking soda and vinegar experiments.

Immediately, I am sure you are thinking of the old fashion Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcanoes we all built as children. We love that experiment too, but you can do lots of other things with this awesome reaction that don’t involve a whole lot of paper mache construction.

A quick note for those not in North American. Baking Soda is also known as Sodium Bicarbonate in many parts of the world.

The Science

These activities explore the popular baking soda and vinegar reaction, which is a simple acid-base chemical reaction. Vinegar or Acetic Acid has the chemical formula CH 3 COOH. Baking Soda, is a base also known as Sodium Bicarbonate or Sodium Bicarb, has the chemical formula ‎NaHCO 3 . During this reaction the products are sodium acetate (CH 3 COONa). Sodium acetate is made of 1 sodium ion, 2 carbon atoms, 3 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. The other products are water (H 2 O) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Carbon dioxide is the gas that causes the bubbling during the reaction.

Here is the chemical formula of this reaction

CH 3 COOH (l) + NaHCO 3 (s) → CH 3 COONa (aq) + H 2 O (l) + CO 2 (g) acetic acid (vinegar) + sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) -> sodium acetate + water + carbon dioxide

Is the reaction endothermic or exothermic?

It takes energy to break the chemical bonds in baking soda and vinegar. When this happens energy is released when the carbon dioxide, sodium acetate, and water are formed. Since more energy was needed to break the baking soda and vinegar apart, the temperature goes down . This is called an endothermic reaction. That means Baking Soda and Vinegar reactions are endothermic.

Now we know the science, let’s dig into some fun experiments!

Here are our top 10 favourite baking soda and vinegar experiments that the kids love doing over and over and over again! The best part, most of these are super easy science experiments. Great for those afternoons when you need a quick, fun project that will appeal to any age.

Measuring Chemical Reactions – Fireworks Experiment

Baking soda and vinegar is the perfect reaction to start learning some basic chemistry principles including how to measure a chemical reaction. In this experiment we have a fun Fireworks inspired reaction (great for July 4th), followed by a deep dive into chemistry as kids learn how to measure a chemical reaction with simple kitchen supplies.

Bottle Rockets

Building Bottle Rockets is such a fun activity for all ages, but especially as a year end celebration or summer camp activity. With this activity we are exploring the pressure and physics caused by a contained baking soda and vinegar reaction. And the results are spectacular!!

Greenhouse Effect Experiment

This powerful experiment demonstrates the heat capturing properties of greenhouse gases. An excellent project to do for Earth Day or as part of a unit study on environmental sciences and climate change. Create the Greenhouse Effect in a jar .

Hatching Dino Eggs

One of our most popular activities with everyone from the very young to the young at heart are these little Dino Eggs. Everyone dreams of hatching their very own dinosaur baby and in this fun activity you make it happen with a fizzy, fun and gorgeous chemical reaction.

Erupting Rainbow Rocks

Erupting rainbow rocks are a gorgeous, colourful science experiment that is so easy to do. Be prepared for lots of squeals of excitement and gasps of wonder as the rainbow of colours magically appear in the fizz!

Erupting Black Hole Science

We love studying space around here, and this is a fantastic activity for your star gazers and aspiring space travelers. Inspired by the first photographs of a black hole, we created this fun and interactive Space STEM Activity – Erupting Black Holes !

Magic Color Changing Oobleck

Imagine changing the colour of something, simply with chemistry. This Colour Changing Oobleck activity was not originally meant to be a baking soda and vinegar reaction, in fact we were simply setting out to test pH. Then we saw those fizzy little reactions as our Oobleck changed colour. Accidental discoveries in science are so much fun!

Baking Soda vs Baking Powder

Got a budding scientist on your hands that wants to run their very own science lab? This is a fantastic activity for kids to put their investigation skills to the test. Make sure you use test tubes and beakers for the best lab experience. Don’t forget the lab coat. Your young scientists will love this investigative activity exploring the differences between baking soda and baking powder .

Balloon Science

Like our bottle rockets, in this activity we are capturing the CO2 gases that result from a baking soda and vinegar reaction. Using our STEM skills we tested different ratios to see how it affects the inflating of our balloons. We have done this experiment for Groundhog Day and Halloween . It is great fun and can be easily adapted for any theme and is super easy to do.

Volcano Slime

After years of failure we finally found success making slime with contact lens solution and baking soda. Well it didn’t take long for the kids to start asking… what would happen if we added vinegar? And our Erupting Volcano Slime was born!

Puking Pumpkin Volcano

Take your fall Halloween celebrations to a new level of “EEEWWWW” with Puking Pumpkin Volcanoes ! This simple activity always delights the kids.

Apple Volcano Experiment

This Apple Volcano is perfect for Back to School and Fall Science. Kids love Apple Science Experiments, and this colorful one is always popular.

Christmas Tree Chemistry

This is a great Christmas STEAM activity , but if you need something for a different time of year, simply switch out your Silicone Molds to change the theme of this activity for any holiday or event. We’ve done it for Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, Dinosaur themed and more. Kids get to decorate their Christmas Tree then make it erupt in a colourful chemical reaction.

Invisible Ink

Another fun use of acids and bases is to make invisible ink . This is such a fun experiment with big wow moments for kids!

Art from Science Galaxy Project

Combine these incredible chemical reactions with a fun art project in this easy activity that is perfect for STEAM club or to celebrate the night skies. We had so much fun making these Galaxy art prints .

Have a great time exploring the amazing reaction between baking soda and vinegar! Your kids are going to have a blast!

Ready to dig into more Chemistry learning in a fun, interactive way? Try our Periodic Table of Elements BINGO game!

Have fun learning and exploring with chemistry!

5 Days of Smart STEM Ideas for Kids

Get started in STEM with easy, engaging activities.

Over 6,200 homeschool resources and growing!

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!

Related resources

Free Printable Periodic Table Worksheet and Cheat Sheets

Fun Apple Life Cycle Activities for Kids with Free Printable

Fire Safety Printables & Activities for Fire Safety Week

The Best Children’s Encyclopedia Books for Reference

Printable Parts of a Flower Worksheets For Kids

Facts About Tornadoes for Kids (Plus Teaching Resources)

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

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

• Facebook 527
• Pinterest 16.0K

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!

Get the 3-5 Playful Preschool e-Book!

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

Click to download your copy now!

Follow the Hooligans on Facebook !

for FREE crafts, 

activities & recipes!

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Join My Private Support Network!

Our Most Popular Posts

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Have you gotten your free poster delivered? ✨

Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment (Plus Free Worksheet)

It’s like magic!

Kids and balloons go hand-in-hand so why not try a fun science experiment that incorporates a balloon or two? This experiment requires little more than what you already have in your kitchen cabinet. Grab a dash of baking soda, a splash of vinegar, and learn all about acids, bases, states of matter, and chemical reactions! Everyone will be amazed watching a balloon inflate without a single breath being blown.

Fill out the form on this page to grab your free printable recording sheet , and try the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment with your little scientists!

How does the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment work?

The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between an acid and a base. The baking soda acts as the base and the vinegar as the acid. When the two combine, carbon dioxide (CO2) escapes the container and causes the balloon to blow up.

What does this experiment teach?

This experiment teaches how different states of matter transform when combined. In this case, a solid (baking soda) and a liquid (vinegar) mix to produce a gas (CO2). Since carbon dioxide is the same gas that is released when humans breathe out, students will make the connection between human breath blowing up a balloon and the reaction of this experiment doing the same.

Is there a baking soda and vinegar balloon video?

This video shows how to do the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment, using just a few ingredients.

Materials Needed

To do the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment, you will need:

• Approximately 1/2 cup of vinegar
• Empty water bottle or similar container
• Baking soda
• Measuring spoon
• Deflated balloon

Our free recording sheet is also helpful— fill out the form on this page to get it.

Baking soda and balloon experiment steps:

1. blow up a balloon just enough to stretch it out a bit. then, use the funnel and measuring spoon to add about a teaspoon of baking soda inside the balloon..

2. Fill the water bottle or other container about halfway with vinegar.

3. Attach your filled balloon to the container with the vinegar. Make sure the seal is tight!

4. Once you’re all set up, hold the balloon up so the baking soda gets released into the vinegar.

5. Finally, watch the balloon blow up!

Grab our baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment worksheet!

Click the button below to get your worksheet. The worksheet asks kids to guess the correct order of the steps in the experiment. Next, kids must make a prediction about what they think will happen. They can use the provided spaces to draw what happens before and after they add the baking soda to the vinegar. Did their predictions come true?

Additional Reflection Questions

• What happened when the baking soda was added to the vinegar?
• Why do you think the balloon inflated?
• Why do you think the balloon eventually stops blowing up?
• What do you think would happen if we used more or less baking soda?

Can this experiment be done for a science fair?

Yes! If you want to do the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment for a science fair, we recommend switching up some of the variables. For example: Does the amount of vinegar matter? What if you run two experiments side by side with different amounts of baking soda? Which balloon filled up faster? Form a hypothesis about how changing the variables will impact the experiment. Good luck!

Looking for more experiment ideas? Check out our  big list of science experiments.

Plus, be sure to  subscribe to our newsletters  for more articles like this., you might also like.

Dancing Popcorn Experiment: How-To Plus Free Worksheet

Things are about to get poppin'! Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Chalk Academy

Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments: Color Explosion for Kids!

Over the years, our kids have enjoyed dozens of baking soda and vinegar experiments! We regularly use baking soda and vinegar for cleaning, and my kids love these ingredients for special science fun. Color explosions are definitely among their favorite hands-on activities !

Chalk Academy is reader-supported. Some of the links are affiliate links. When you buy something through an affiliate link, we may earn a very small commission at no cost to you. Details here .

Since we’re raising bilingual children , we try to make our non-dominant language, Chinese, as fun as possible. I’ve shared before about how new experiences are the key to making the minority language memorable. During these baking soda and vinegar experiments, try to encourage the minority language while your child is excited and interested!

I’ll share the basic science behind this baking soda and vinegar reaction, relevant Chinese translations, and 4 of my kids’ favorite versions of this activity!

The science behind baking soda and vinegar experiments

Recommended materials, the main chemical ingredients.

• Please note that this is different than baking powder 泡打粉 (pāo dǎfěn) or 发酵粉 / 發酵粉 (fāxiào fěn)
• White vinegar 白醋 (báicù)

Supplemental supplies

• Food coloring 食用色素 (shíyòng sèsù)
• Pipette 滴管 (dī guǎn)
• Containers 容器 (róngqì): Cups 杯子 (bēizi), bottles 瓶子 (píngzi), or shot glasses 酒杯 (jiǔbēi)
• Flat pan 平底锅 / 平底鍋 (píngdǐ guō)
• Digital pH scale or paper pH strips

Baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction

Chemical reactions occur when 2 molecules interact to form new compounds or molecules. If you’re wondering if a chemical reaction is happening, look for changes in:

• Temperature
• State of matter (eg, formation of gas [bubbles] or solid [precipitate])

In this activity, baking soda (eg, sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO₃) is interacting with vinegar (eg, combination of water [H 2 O] and acetic acid [CH₃COOH].

Before adding food coloring, I suggest exploring the properties of baking soda and vinegar alone!

For older kids who are learning about acids and bases, you can use pH strips to compare baking soda and vinegar. Acids have a proton (hydrogen ion, H+) that they want to get rid, while bases want protons.

When baking soda (solid 固体, base 碱) dissolves in vinegar (liquid 液体, acid 酸), protons are being exchanged. During the chemical reaction, carbon dioxide gas is released, causing visible bubbles and audible fizzing! Water is also left behind, which is why the leftover liquid doesn’t keep bubbling when the reaction is over.

If you’re curious about the chemical equation, check out this article from Thought Co ! Also check out Thomas Gray’s Elements Trilogy (3-book series) to learn about elements, molecules, and reactions with your kids!

Questions to explore during baking soda and vinegar experiments

Factors that increase chemical reaction rates.

• Concentration

How much baking soda and vinegar do you need?

I think this question in and of itself would be great to explore with your kids rather than me giving the answer we discovered! 🙂

Explore different volumes of vinegar and baking soda to see how the concentration affects the reaction!

Should you add baking soda or vinegar first?

We have experimented with pouring baking soda into vinegar as well as vinegar into baking soda. Again, this would be a great experiment to try with your kids so that your family can compare the reactions!

We found that pouring vinegar into baking soda results in instant bubbling and fizzing, while the reverse took a little longer. Why did this happen? The pressure and speed of the liquid vinegar hitting the baking soda accelerated the chemical reaction. On the other hand, the lightweight baking soda reached the liquid vinegar at a lower speed and pressure.

Other scientific questions

• Does the temperature of the vinegar affect the reaction?
• Does stale versus fresh baking soda affect the reaction?
• What is the pH of each food dye, and how does it affect the reaction?

Science activity vocabulary in Chinese and English

For parents like me who are learning Chinese with their kids , here are key words and phrases in simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Hanyu Pinyin, and English.

If you have younger kids, focus on common verbs (guess, pour, explode), adjectives (color, wet, dry), and nouns (eg names of materials). For older and/or more fluent kids, introduce science terms with the activity.

Important words/phrases

• Solid 固体 / 固體 (gùtǐ)
• Liquid 液体 / 液體 (yètǐ)
• Gas 气体 / 氣體(qìtǐ)
• States of matter 物质状态 / 物質狀態 (wùzhí zhuàngtài)
• Physical form 物质形态 / 物質形態 (wùzhí xíngtài)
• Chemical reaction 化学反应 / 化學反應 (huàxué fǎnyìng)
• Color explosion 颜色爆炸 / 顏色爆炸 (yánsè bàozhà)

Important sentences

• Today, we’re going to do an experiment! 今天，我们要做一个实验！ / 今天，我們要做一個實驗！(Jīntiān, wǒmen yào zuò yīgè shíyàn!)
• We need these materials. 我们需要这些材料。/ 我們需要這些材料 。(Wǒmen xūyào zhèxiē cáiliào.)
• Can you guess what will happen? 你能猜会发生什么吗？/ 你能猜會發生什麼嗎? (Nǐ néng cāi huì fāshēng shénme ma?)
• Baking soda is a solid. 小苏打是固体。 / 小蘇打是固體。(Xiǎo sūdǎ shì gùtǐ.)
• Pour the baking soda here. 小苏打应该倒在这里。 / 小蘇打應該倒在這裡。(Xiǎo sūdǎ yīnggāi dǎo zài zhèlǐ.)
• Vinegar is a liquid. 醋是液体。 / 醋是液體。 (Cù shì yètǐ.)
• Pour the vinegar here. 醋要倒在这里。/ 醋要倒在這裡。(Cù yào dào zài zhèlǐ.)
• It’s okay if you spilled. 如果你洒了, 没关系。/ 如果你灑了，沒關係。(Rúguǒ nǐ sǎle, méiguānxì.)
• Please use this towel to wipe the table. 请用这条毛巾擦桌子。/ 請用這條毛巾擦桌子。(Qǐng yòng zhè tiáo máojīn cā zhuōzi.)
• Try it again. 再试一次。/ 再試一次。(Zài shì yīcì.)
• Red 红色 / 紅色 (hóngsè)
• Orange 橙色 (chéngsè)
• Yellow 黄色 / 黃色 (huángsè)
• Green 绿色 / 綠色 (lǜsè)
• Blue 蓝色 / 藍色 (lánsè)
• Purple 紫色 (zǐsè)
• Pink 粉红色 / 粉紅色 (fěnhóng sè)
• Brown 棕色 (zōngsè)
• Black 黑色 (hēisè)
• White 白色 (báisè)
• Wow! So cool! 哇! 非常酷！(Wa! Fēicháng kù!)
• It’s bubbling! 冒泡了！ (Mào pàole!)
• Hear the fizzing sound? 听到嘶嘶声吗？/ 聽到嘶嘶聲嗎？(Tīng dào sī sī shēng ma?)
• It formed a gas. 它变成了气体。/ 它變成了氣體。 (Tā biàn chéngle qìtǐ.)
• This color explosion is a chemical reaction! 这种颜色爆炸是化学反应！/ 這種顏色爆炸是化學反應！ (Zhè zhǒng yánsè bàozhà shì huàxué fǎnyìng!)
• This is fun! 这个很有趣！/ 這個很有趣！(Zhège hěn yǒuqù!)
• Let’s do this again! 让我们再做一次! / 讓我們再做一次! (Ràng wǒmen zài zuò yīcì!)

Try this : Positive Affirmations to Tell Our Kids Everyday (English / Chinese Printable)

4 fun baking soda and vinegar color activities for kids!

Here are 4 favorite ways that we have explored baking soda and vinegar with a color explosion twist! Adult supervision required.

Bubbly rainbow fountains!

• First, pour vinegar into small cups. 首先，把醋倒进小杯子里。/ 首先，把醋倒進小杯子裡。(Shǒuxiān, bǎ cù dào jìn xiǎo bēizi lǐ.)
• Add a few drops of food coloring. 加几滴食用色素。/ 加幾滴食用色素。 (Jiā jǐ dī shíyòng sèsù.)
• Pour baking soda into a flat pan. 把小苏打倒进平底锅里。/ 把小蘇打倒進平底鍋裡。 (Bǎ xiǎo sū dǎdǎo jìn píngdǐ guō lǐ.)
• Scoop baking soda into the cups. 把小苏打倒进醋里。/ 把小蘇打倒進醋裡。 (Bǎ xiǎo sū dǎdǎo jìn cù lǐ.)

The kids had fun watching the cups overflow if they scooped a “full spoon” of baking soda rather than a fraction of a spoon.

Although regular spoons were used in the above photo, measuring spoons would be a more scientific way to compare reactions!

Rainbow fizz!

Here’s another variation of the baking soda and vinegar reaction!

• First, pour baking soda into a flat pan. 首先，把小苏打倒进平底锅里。/ 首先，把小蘇打倒進平底鍋裡。 (Shǒuxiān, bǎ xiǎo sū dǎdǎo jìn píngdǐ guō lǐ.)
• Pour vinegar into small cups. 把醋倒进小杯子里。/ 把醋倒進小杯子裡。(Dào jìn xiǎo bēizi lǐ.)
• With pipettes, squirt vinegar into baking soda. 用滴管把醋滴进小苏打里。/ 用滴管把醋滴進小蘇打裡。(Yòng dī guǎn bǎ cù dī jìn xiǎo sūdǎ lǐ.)

This time, colored vinegar was squirted into the baking soda with pipettes . We noticed that the bubbling occurred instantly, no matter how much vinegar was added. Since the pipettes have numbers, we could compare number of milliliters and visible bubbling.

Bubbly blocks!

To experiment with temperature, we froze blocks of baking soda in an ice cube tray! Mix 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup of baking soda and divide equally in the ice cube tray. If you want to add food coloring, just add a few drops of the desired color to each cube!

Rainbow surprise!

Another favorite is this mystery colors spinoff that was inspired by various activity moms including Busy Toddler ! As you can imagine, this is the messiest but most exciting version of the baking soda and science activity. My kids had fun squirting food coloring at the bottom of each muffin cup and hiding it with baking soda. Then the best part: squirt vinegar for fizzy color surprises!

Have you tried these fun baking soda and vinegar science experiments?

If you try these fun science activities, please let us know in the comments below! What age(s) are your kid(s) and how did it go? We’d love to hear about your learning experience!

More bilingual science resources for kids

• Recommended Human Anatomy Toys | Science Gifts for Kids
• Chinese and English science books for kids
• Magic School Bus Picture and Chapter Books

Dr. Betty Choi is a Harvard-trained pediatrician and mother on a mission to connect families through language and play. Chalk Academy was inspired by her trials and triumphs with relearning a heritage language and raising bilingual children in a monolingual community. Dr. Choi's advice has been featured in PBS, Parents, Healthline, The Atlantic, and VeryWell.

AMAZING!! This helped me a lot with my science project. Thx for the ideas!

You’re welcome, Stephanie! So glad it was helpful!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

• Play Recipes
• Gross Motor
• DIY Projects
• Learning Resources
• Product and Service Opinions

Vinegar-Based Science Experiments

The following post contains affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you I can make a tiny bit of money to help support this blog. Thank you!

We are taking part in the A-Z of Science Experiments for Kids series and we have been focusing on the letter V – for Vinegar !

Here are two of the videos we made of these science experiments in action:

But let’s back up a little here. WHY do we get these reactions? Well I’m no scientist – so for your convenience here are five different ways of describing why this happens. Simply put, the combination of vinegar (an acetic acid) and baking soda (a bicarbonate) creates carbon dioxide. Call it gas, bubbles, eruptions – whatever you like – it always fascinates and enthralls kids and adults alike!

What about mixing vinegar with other things?

VINEGAR AND EGG SHELLS

Yes, vinegar can dissolve egg shells! Check out Steve Spangler’s Naked Egg Experiment  – and according to Fact Monster – you can also get the eggs to bounce afterwards!

VINEGAR AND MILK

Did you know that you can make a kind of PLASTIC from mixing vinegar and milk? Instructions can be found at Science Buddies or there’s a great video here from HooplaKidzLab:

This is definitely one for our to-do list!

VINEGAR AND PENNIES

Vinegar can be used to clean dull and dirty copper coins (like pennies) and make them look shiny and new! Here’s how to do it !

VINEGAR, NAILS AND WIRE

Want to generate some electricity? Use vinegar! Here’s another seriously cool experiment from Steve Spangler.

Here are some other vinegar-based experiments from around the web:

• Hopping Corn from One Time Through
• Baking Soda and Vinegar Powered Boat from Science Sparks
• Frozen Vinegar Science Activity from Inspiration Laboratories
• Homemade Fizzy Sidewalk Paint from Hands on as we grow
• Fizzing Rubber Band Snap Art from Learn~Play~Imagine
• And you have to check out Little Bins for Little Hands’ whole YEAR of Vinegar and Baking Soda Activities !!

More Learning Resources

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• MEMBER LOGIN

Hands On As We Grow®

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

Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment with Color Fun

Fine Motor Science Preschoolers Toddlers Experiment My Favorites 38 Comments

Any baking soda and vinegar experiment I’ve ever done with the kids has always been a success. The fizz just makes it so much fun!

This is one of our favorite activities that we do, and my kids’ too!

Below you’ll find Henry’s version we did from a few years ago. I recently did it with the younger two boys again and thought I’d update this post (kind of for my own personal scrapbooking, if nothing else).

I brought out my roasting pan, because it never gets used for anything else, and sprinkled some baking soda to generously over the bottom.

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

I then poured vinegar into three small dishes and added food coloring (yellow, blue and green), looking back, I would have just stuck with blue and yellow to  make green.

The boys each had their tool of choice, and eye dropper and a turkey baster. I always think the eye dropper would be more fun, but the kids like more volume at once, so they always choose the turkey baster. They swapped several times throughout the activity.

Watching the baking soda fizz up as the vinegar hit is is so exciting to kids!

I love seeing their faces when it happens!

Find More Science Activities for Preschoolers

Get the FREE Science Experiments Download

And watching them drop yellow on top of blue, or vice versa to mix colors and make green was exciting for them to see as well.

There was always the question of what color will it make?

I just wish I didn’t have green in the mix. But it was still fun and the concept was learned.

Plus, the fine motor skills of squeezing the eye droppers and turkey basters were a good bonus!

I had to refill the dishes of vinegar several times to keep the fun going! (I like keeping the amounts small in the dishes in case of a spill, which happens a lot with a toddler.)

Learn my tips for doing activities with toddlers

Below is Henry’s version from a few years ago.

Henry was fascinated by the reactions the colored vinegar made when it hit the baking soda in this activity.

Just spread out some baking soda on a cookie sheet and add color to some vinegar!

While I was coloring the vinegar, I let Henry have some experimental play of his own with the baking soda first.

He liked to see the prints his hammer made when he hit it.

I suggested dropping a golf ball in the mound of baking soda, hoping to make moon craters. He didn’t find that as fascinating as the hammer though.

During his experimenting, I simply poured vinegar into three small dishes. And added a few drops of food coloring to each.

I handed Henry a few different choices for droppers: an old medicine syringe, a dropper and a large turkey baster. That’s what I had on hand to use.

I loved seeing what those little fingers were doing as he sucked up and squirted the vinegar in each of the droppers. They’re all great for fine motor skills .

We also tried to reverse the science experiment by adding baking soda to the vinegar.

We experimented to find the perfect ratio of baking soda to vinegar for the best reactions, find out what it is !

Henry wasn’t thrilled with this because it didn’t work nearly as well.

Watching the baking soda fizz as the vinegar hit was exciting! Seeing the colors mix together was pretty neat too.

Henry continued until every last drop of colored vinegar was used.

Even then he started sucking up vinegar from the cookie sheet to squirt it again!

Even though it looks like there may have been some sensory play going on, I don’t believe a finger even touched the pan! I was amazed that Henry could keep his hands off. I think the designs were made by dragging the dropper through the baking soda.

About Jamie Reimer

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

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What Parents Have to Say…

Shop ebooks of activities.

Get activity plans delivered to your inbox, every week!

Activities that hands-on parents absolutely love.

6 Different Activities for 6 Lines of Tape

What Toddler Crafts & Art Projects Can We Do? 30 Ideas

Improve Kids Fine Motor Skills with 30 Materials & Activities

How to Make a Lava Lamp Experiment Without Alka Seltzer

25 sensory activities for kids with sensory tubs & further exploration.

50+ Simple Activities for Toddlers

Get started having fun with your kids.

PLAN THE FUN WITH THE FREE KIDS ACTIVITIES PLANNER! AND RECEIVE ACTIVITIES EVERY WEEK!

• Preschoolers
• Kindergartners
• Grade School
• Literacy & ABCs
• Math & 123s
• Art Projects
• Gross Motor
• Shop Activity Plans
• Member Login

Classroom Callouts

Where Education Meets Fun!

10 Easy Science Fair Experiments for Kids, Parents and Teachers

Welcome to our collection of 10 easy science fair experiments for kids ! These hands-on activities are perfect for sparking curiosity and making learning fun. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young scientist, these experiments—from erupting volcanoes to DIY lava lamps—are designed to be simple, engaging, and educational. With a little help from an adult, you can dive into the world of science and discover how exciting it can be.

1. Erupting Volcano Experiment

Introduction: Welcome to our exciting science fair project—creating your very own erupting volcano! This experiment is perfect for first and second graders to learn about chemical reactions in a fun and spectacular way. You’ll need an adult to help with some steps, so make sure to have a grown-up nearby!

Objective: To observe and understand the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar that causes a volcanic eruption.

• 1 small plastic bottle (500 ml)
• Baking soda (60 grams)
• Vinegar (200 ml)
• Dish soap (5 ml)
• Red food coloring (a few drops)
• Modeling clay or playdough (enough to cover the bottle and form a mountain)
• A tray or shallow container (to catch the overflow)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Safety goggles (optional, for extra fun and safety)

Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when you mix baking soda, vinegar, and a few other ingredients in your model volcano. Do you think it will erupt like a real volcano?

• Place the plastic bottle on the tray. This is your volcano’s “magma chamber.”
• Use the modeling clay or playdough to shape a mountain around the bottle. Leave the top open so you can add your ingredients.
• Get creative with the shape and details of your volcano!
• In a separate cup, mix together 200 ml of vinegar, 5 ml of dish soap, and a few drops of red food coloring to create your “lava.” This will help make the eruption more colorful and bubbly.
• Pour the vinegar mixture into the bottle in your volcano.
• Add 60 grams of baking soda to the bottle and quickly step back to watch your volcano erupt!

Observation: Watch closely what happens when the baking soda meets the vinegar mixture. You should see a foamy and fizzy eruption that looks like lava flowing down the sides of your volcano.

Results: Record what you observed. Was the eruption slow and steady, or quick and explosive? How high did the “lava” flow?

Conclusion: Explain why the reaction happened using simple science. When baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) mix, they create carbon dioxide gas, which builds up pressure until it forces the liquid out in an eruption. This is similar to what happens in a real volcano, where gases build up pressure underground.

Further Experimentation:

Try the experiment again using different amounts of vinegar or baking soda. Does changing the amounts change how your volcano erupts?

This experiment not only teaches you about chemical reactions but also lets you create a mini spectacle at home or at your science fair. Have fun being a young scientist and remember to clean up after your experiment!

2. Floating Egg Experiment

Introduction: Dive into the fascinating world of density with the Floating Egg Experiment! This simple yet intriguing project is perfect for first and second graders to explore how different solutions affect whether an object sinks or floats. This experiment will need a bit of adult help, so make sure you have a grown-up to assist you!

Objective: To understand how the addition of salt to water changes its density and affects the buoyancy of an egg.

• Tap water (about 500 ml)
• Table salt (about 60 grams)
• 1 large clear glass or jar
• Measuring spoons
• Stirring spoon

Hypothesis: Before you begin, think about whether you believe the egg will float in plain water and what might happen when you add salt to the water. Write down your guess.

• Fill the glass or jar with 500 ml of tap water.
• Gently place the raw egg into the glass of plain water and observe what happens. Does it sink or float?
• Remove the egg carefully.
• Add 60 grams of salt to the water. Stir well until the salt is completely dissolved.
• Once the salt is dissolved, gently place the egg back into the saltwater solution. Observe what happens this time.

Observation: Note down what you see. How does the egg behave in plain water compared to the saltwater?

Results: Record your findings. Did the egg float in the saltwater? Was there a difference in how it behaved in the plain water compared to the saltwater?

Conclusion: Explain why the results occurred based on density. In plain water, the egg sinks because its density is higher than that of plain water. When you add salt to the water, it increases the water’s density, making it denser than the egg, which now floats.

You can experiment further by changing the amount of salt added to the water or trying different liquids like sugar water. See how these changes affect the egg’s buoyancy.

This experiment not only teaches you about the principles of density and buoyancy but also shows you how different solutions can change the behavior of objects in water. Have fun experimenting, and remember to ask questions and think about why things happen the way they do!

3. Rainbow Milk Experiment

Introduction: Get ready to create a swirling rainbow with the Rainbow Milk Experiment! This visually stunning project is ideal for young scientists in the first or second grade to explore the effects of soap on milk and food coloring. You’ll need some help from an adult, so be sure to have one nearby!

Objective: To observe how dish soap interacts with the fat in milk, causing movement in the food coloring that creates a rainbow effect.

• A shallow dish or plate
• Whole milk (enough to cover the bottom of the dish)
• Food coloring (various colors)
• Cotton swabs
• A dropper or small spoon

Hypothesis: Think about what you expect to happen when you add dish soap to the milk with food coloring. Do you think the colors will move, mix, or stay still? Write down your guess.

• Pour enough whole milk into the dish to just cover the bottom.
• Carefully add drops of different food coloring to the milk. Place them around the dish but not too close to each other.
• Dip a cotton swab into dish soap, ensuring it’s not dripping but wet with soap.
• Gently touch the soaped swab to the surface of the milk in the center of the dish or near one of the food coloring drops.

Observation: Watch what happens when the soapy cotton swab touches the milk. Look for any movement of the food coloring and how it interacts with the milk.

Results: Record what you see. Describe the movement and mixing of the colors. How did the dish soap affect the behavior of the food coloring in the milk?

Conclusion: Explain the science behind what you saw. The soap breaks the surface tension of the milk and reacts with its fats, creating movement that pushes the food coloring around. This movement shows how substances like soap can change the physical properties of other liquids like milk.

Try the experiment again using different types of milk (like skim or 2%) to see if the fat content affects the reaction. You can also use different detergents or soaps to see if they cause different patterns or movements in the milk.

This experiment is not only a beautiful display of colors but also a great lesson in chemistry and physics, showing how different substances interact in surprising and colorful ways. Enjoy creating your milk art, and don’t forget to clean up when you’re done!

 4. Baking Soda and Vinegar Rocket

Introduction: Blast off into the world of chemical reactions with the Baking Soda and Vinegar Rocket Experiment! This exciting activity is perfect for first and second graders eager to see science in action. You’ll need some adult supervision, so make sure a grown-up is ready to help with the fun!

Objective: To demonstrate the reaction between baking soda and vinegar and observe how this reaction can propel a homemade rocket.

• 1 small plastic film canister with a tight-fitting lid (or any small container with a pop-on lid that seals well)
• Baking soda (5 grams)
• Vinegar (30 ml)
• Tissue paper
• Safety goggles (to protect your eyes)
• An open space for launching your rocket (like a backyard or park)

Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when baking soda and vinegar mix inside your rocket canister. Think about how it might affect the canister and what the reaction will be like. Write down your prediction.

• Go outside or to a well-ventilated area where you can safely launch the rocket.
• Wrap the 5 grams of baking soda tightly in a small piece of tissue paper. This packet will help delay the reaction, giving you time to close the lid.
• Pour 30 ml of vinegar into the film canister.
• Quickly drop the baking soda packet into the canister with vinegar.
• Snap the lid on tightly and quickly place the canister on the ground, lid side down.
• Step back and watch what happens!

Observation: Observe the canister as the reaction happens. What do you see and hear? How high does the rocket go?

Results: Record the outcome of your experiment. Was the launch successful? How high did your rocket fly? Did it happen as you predicted?

Conclusion: Explain why the rocket moved. The reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas builds up pressure inside the canister until the lid pops off, pushing the rocket into the air. This is an example of Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Experiment with different amounts of vinegar and baking soda to see if it affects how high your rocket goes. You can also try different sizes of containers to see how they change the reaction.

This experiment is not only a thrilling demonstration of a chemical reaction but also a fun way to learn about forces and motion. Make sure to conduct it in a safe environment and wear your safety goggles to protect your eyes. Enjoy your scientific journey into rocketry!

5. Magnetic Magic – Magnetic Poles and Fields Experiment

Introduction: Explore the invisible world of magnetism with this engaging experiment! Perfect for first and second graders, this activity will help you understand how magnets work, focusing on the poles and the magnetic fields they create. You’ll need some common items from home or school and the help of an adult to guide you through.

Objective: To explore and visualize the magnetic field lines around bar and horseshoe magnets and understand the interactions between the different poles of magnets.

• 1 bar magnet (with North and South poles labeled)
• 1 horseshoe magnet (with North and South poles labeled)
• Iron filings
• A sheet of white paper
• A tray or cardboard to contain any mess
• A compass (optional, for further exploration)

Hypothesis: Before you start, think about what you might see when you sprinkle iron filings around the magnets. What do you think will happen when the North pole of one magnet is near the South pole of another? Write down your guess.

• Place the sheet of white paper on the tray or cardboard to keep your workspace clean.
• Lay the bar magnet and the horseshoe magnet on the paper. Start with them a good distance apart so their fields don’t overlap immediately.
• Gently sprinkle iron filings around and between the magnets. Be careful not to bump the table as the filings align themselves along the magnetic field lines.
• Look at how the iron filings arrange themselves around each magnet. Notice the patterns they form. These lines show the magnetic fields emanating from the poles.
• Slowly move the North pole of one magnet towards the South pole of the other. Observe how the iron filings react. Do the same with like poles (North to North or South to South) and note any differences.

Observation: Record what happens to the iron filings as you move the magnets. How do the patterns change? What does this tell you about how the magnetic poles interact?

Results: Describe the arrangement of iron filings and what it indicates about the magnetic fields. Note any changes when different poles are near each other.

Conclusion: Explain your observations in terms of magnetic poles and fields. Magnets attract when opposite poles are near each other and repel when like poles are close. The iron filings align themselves along the lines of magnetic force, visibly showing the shape of the magnetic fields.

Try using a compass to see how the needle aligns with the magnetic fields. You can also test different materials to see if they are influenced by the magnets, like clips, aluminum foil, or copper wire.

This experiment not only teaches you about magnetism but also lets you see the invisible forces at play. Have fun exploring and always make sure to clean up your space when you are done!

6. DIY Lava Lamp Experiment

Introduction: Ready to light up your curiosity with a colorful DIY Lava Lamp? This experiment is fantastic for young scientists in first or second grade to explore the interactions between oil, water, and effervescent tablets. This safe and simple project is sure to dazzle and teach important scientific concepts with a bit of adult help.

Objective: To understand the effects of density and chemical reactions by creating a homemade lava lamp.

• 1 clear plastic bottle (1 liter)
• Water (about 400 ml)
• Vegetable oil (about 600 ml)
• Food coloring (any color you like)
• Effervescent tablets (like Alka-Seltzer)
• Flashlight (optional, for effect)

Hypothesis: Think about what will happen when you mix oil, water, and the effervescent tablet in the bottle. Predict how the ingredients will interact and what will happen when you add the tablet.

• Fill the clear plastic bottle with 400 ml of water.
• Slowly pour 600 ml of vegetable oil into the bottle, allowing it to layer on top of the water.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the bottle. The drops will pass through the oil and mix with the water below.
• Break an effervescent tablet into a few pieces.
• Drop one piece into the bottle and watch as the lava lamp effect begins. The tablet reacts with the water to create gas bubbles that rise and fall through the oil.
• Shine a flashlight through the bottom of the bottle to enhance the visual effect, especially in a dim room.

Observation: Watch the bubbles of colored water rise and fall in the oil as the gas bubbles form and pop. Note how the oil and water do not mix.

Results: Describe what you see when the effervescent tablet reacts in the water and how it affects the oil and water mixture.

Conclusion: Explain the science behind the lava lamp. The water and oil separate due to their different densities, with oil being less dense and sitting on top of the water. The effervescent tablet reacts with the water to create carbon dioxide gas, which carries the colored water up through the oil until the gas escapes at the top.

Try using different amounts of oil or water, different colors of food coloring, or different types of effervescent tablets to see how it changes the reaction.

This experiment not only makes for an eye-catching display but also helps understand concepts like density, solubility, and gas formation. Have fun watching your very own lava lamp glow!

 7. Dancing Raisins Experiment

Introduction: Get ready to watch raisins dance in this fun and simple science experiment perfect for young students in first or second grade. This activity demonstrates the principles of buoyancy and gas production in a way that’s both entertaining and educational, with just a bit of adult supervision needed.

Objective: To observe and understand why raisins move up and down in a fizzy liquid due to the formation of gas bubbles.

• 1 clear glass or transparent plastic cup
• Plain water (enough to fill the glass three-quarters)
• Carbonated clear soda (enough to fill the glass)
• Several raisins (4-6)
• A stopwatch or timer (optional, to record the duration of the dance)

Hypothesis: Before starting, predict what will happen when you drop raisins into the soda. Do you think they will sink, float, or dance? Write down your guess.

• Fill the glass three-quarters with plain water and top it off with carbonated soda to make the liquid fizzy.
• Carefully drop 4 to 6 raisins into the glass of fizzy liquid.
• Watch what happens to the raisins for the next few minutes. Observe how they move in the glass.

Results: Record your observations. Do the raisins sink, float, or dance up and down? How long do they continue moving?

Conclusion: Explain the results using the concept of buoyancy and gas production. The carbon dioxide bubbles from the soda attach to the rough surface of the raisins, making them buoyant enough to rise to the surface. Once they reach the top, the bubbles pop, and the raisins sink again. This cycle repeats, causing the dancing effect.

Experiment with different carbonated drinks or try other small, dried fruits or objects like corn kernels or small pasta shapes to see if they also dance. Explore how temperature affects the rate of dancing by using cold versus room temperature soda.

This experiment is a fantastic way for kids to visually grasp scientific concepts and enjoy the magic of simple chemical reactions. It’s perfect for a science fair project or a classroom activity!

8. Color-Changing Carnations

Introduction: Discover how flowers drink water with the Color-Changing Carnations Experiment! This visually stunning activity is perfect for first and second graders to learn about plant biology and capillary action in a fun and colorful way. It’s a simple experiment that requires some adult supervision.

Objective: To demonstrate how plants absorb water and nutrients up through their stems, using carnations and colored water.

• White carnations (several, depending on how many colors you want to test)
• Clear glasses or vases (one for each color)
• Food coloring in various colors
• Scissors (to be used by an adult)

Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when the carnations are placed in colored water. Which colors do you think will show up best in the petals?

• Have an adult trim the stems of the carnations at an angle to allow them to absorb water more efficiently.
• Fill each glass or vase with water and add about 20 drops of food coloring to each, choosing different colors for each container.
• Stir the water to evenly distribute the color.
• Place one carnation in each colored water vase.
• Observe the carnations daily to see how the color travels up the stem and changes the color of the petals.

Results: Record your observations over several days. Note the changes in the color of the petals and how quickly each color appears.

Conclusion: Explain how capillary action works in plants, drawing water and nutrients up through tiny tubes in the stem. The food coloring shows this process visually, changing the color of the carnations’ petals.

Try using different liquids like sports drinks or diluted inks to see if they affect the flowers differently. Experiment with other white flowers to see if they absorb colors faster or slower than the carnations.

9. Invisible Ink

Introduction: Send secret messages with the Invisible Ink Experiment! This project is a fantastic way for first and second graders to learn about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases, with just a bit of adult supervision for safety.

Objective: To use a natural acid (lemon juice) to write invisible messages that appear only when heated.

• Spoon or brush
• White paper
• Heat source (light bulb or hair dryer; an adult should handle this part)

Hypothesis: Guess what will happen when you heat the paper that has lemon juice on it. How do you think the message will appear?

• Squeeze lemon juice into a bowl and add a few drops of water.
• Dip the spoon or brush into the lemon juice mixture and write a message on the white paper.
• Allow the paper to dry completely, making the message invisible.
• Have an adult help you heat the paper using a light bulb or hair dryer. Watch as the message slowly appears.

Results: Record what happens when the paper is heated and how clearly the message shows up.

Conclusion: Explain why the lemon juice message appears when heated (lemon juice, being acidic, weakens the paper fibers slightly and caramelizes when heated, making it visible).

Experiment with other natural acids like orange juice or vinegar. Try different heating methods or papers to see which reveals the message most effectively.

10. Homemade Slime Experiment

Introduction: Get ready for gooey fun with the Homemade Slime Experiment! This engaging and tactile project is great for first and second graders to learn about polymers and non-Newtonian fluids. Adult supervision is recommended, especially when handling chemicals.

Objective: To create slime using simple household ingredients and explore its unique properties.

• White school glue (about 120 ml)
• Borax powder (2 teaspoons)
• Water (two cups)
• Food coloring (optional)
• Mixing bowl

Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when you mix glue, borax, and water. What kind of texture do you think your slime will have?

• In a mixing bowl, combine 120 ml of white glue and one cup of water. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired.
• In another container, dissolve 2 teaspoons of borax in one cup of warm water.
• Slowly add the borax solution to the glue mixture, stirring continuously.
• Keep stirring until the slime begins to form and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
• Take the slime out and knead it with your hands until it reaches the desired consistency.

Results: Describe the texture and behavior of your slime. Is it stretchy? Does it bounce?

Conclusion: Discuss the chemical reaction between the glue and borax that creates a polymer, which gives the slime its unique properties.

Try adding different amounts of borax or glue to see how it changes the slime’s properties. Add glitter, beads, or small toys to create different types of slime.

Each of these experiments offers a fun, educational way to engage with basic scientific concepts, perfect for young learners eager to explore the world through science.

That’s a Wrap!

Science is all about curiosity, discovery, and having fun while learning how the world works. Through these 10 experiments, young scientists have not only created colorful reactions and gooey slime but also gained a deeper understanding of important scientific principles. Whether it was watching a volcano erupt, making an egg float, or exploring the magnetic fields, each experiment has shown that science is everywhere—even in the simplest things around us. As you continue to explore and experiment, remember that the journey of discovery is just beginning. Keep asking questions, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun with science!

Science Printables for your First Graders

Don’t forget to pin the image below to save this post!

Need help Breaking Down the 1st Grade Math Standards?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• You are here:
• American Chemical Society
• Students & Educators
• Chemistry Outreach Activities

Red Cabbage Indicator

Question to investigate

How can you use a red cabbage to test and classify substances?

Chemistry concepts

• Acids and bases are classes of materials that have different properties.
• Acid-base indicators change color depending on whether they are in acids or bases.
• Red cabbage leaves contain a substance called anthocyanin that changes color depending on whether mixed with an acid or a base.

Activity logistics

• Ages : As written, this activity is suited for ages 8–12.
• Time : 45 minutes–1 hour
• Do not eat or drink any of the materials used in this activity.
• Work with an adult.
• Read and follow all directions for the activity.
• Read all warning labels.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as goggles, safety glasses, or gloves.
• Tie back long hair, roll up sleeves, and secure loose clothing.
• Be sure to clean up and dispose of materials properly when you are finished with an activity.
• Wash your hands well before and after the activity.

Disposal: Dispose of all solid waste in the trash. The liquids can be safely disposed of down the drain with plenty of water.

What you’ll need

• Red cabbage
• Fruit juice, for example: lemon, lime, orange, apple
• Soda pop (light-colored sodas work best)
• Liquid cleaning products (don’t use bleach)
• Solutions made by dissolving a solid such as baking soda, detergent, or baking powder in water
• Zip-closing plastic bag
• Dropper or straw
• Several small cups (one for each test)
• Small bowl or cup
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

* You can use a straw as a dropper. First, dip the straw into the liquid. Place a finger over the top of the straw to make a seal. When you remove the straw from the liquid, the liquid will remain inside the straw. When you are ready to release the liquid, remove your finger from the top of the straw.

Make red cabbage indicator

• Tear several leaves of red cabbage into small pieces and place into zip-closing plastic bag.
• Add about a cup of water to the bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag and seal it.
• Hold the bag at the top with one hand and squish the leaves in the water with the other hand for a couple of minutes until the water turns a dark blue.
• Pour the liquid from the plastic bag into a cup. Discard the leaves. The liquid is your red cabbage indicator.

Test various household solutions

Your red cabbage indicator should be dark blue in color. The color of the cabbage indicator will change to red or pink if the solution is an acid and it will change to green or yellow if it is a base. It will remain purple or blue if the test solution is neutral.

• Add about 1 tablespoon of the indicator liquid to a small cup.
• Use a dropper or straw to place several drops of the test liquid into the cup with the indicator.
• Record the color of the liquid in the cup below.
• To test another item, use a clean cup and fresh indicator liquid. Repeat steps 4-6.
• In the table in the printable PDF, record the item, the color the liquid turns, and if it is an acid, a base, or neutral.

What did you observe?

Download this worksheet to record your observations.

How does it work?

Chemists classify substances as acids or bases . Lemon juice and vinegar are both examples of acids. On the other end of the spectrum are bases. An example of a base is baking soda, which you might have used in the kitchen to make cookies and cakes. Many soaps are bases. Some substances are neutral , meaning they are neither an acid nor a base, like water.

How can you tell if something is an acid or a base? Acids and bases can change the color of substances called acid-base indicators .

Red cabbage contains a chemical called anthocyanin . This pigment is a natural acid-base indicator. It is blue in neutral substances, like plain water. When an acid like lemon juice gets in the water, a reaction makes the indicator molecule change shape and it looks pink. When instead a base gets in the water, a different reaction happens that changes the indicator molecule and it looks green.

This activity is adapted from an activity that originally appeared in the Celebrating Chemistry issue for Chemists Celebrate Earth Day 2010.

More From This Series

Secret Messages

Fruit Juice Sleuth

Color-Changing Liquid

Accept & Close The ACS takes your privacy seriously as it relates to cookies. We use cookies to remember users, better understand ways to serve them, improve our value proposition, and optimize their experience. Learn more about managing your cookies at Cookies Policy .

1155 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA |  service@acs.org  | 1-800-333-9511 (US and Canada) | 614-447-3776 (outside North America)

• Terms of Use
• Accessibility

Copyright © 2024 American Chemical Society