There are endless opportunities for experiential learning with baking soda and vinegar chemical reactions. While the chemical reactions are exciting to observe and explore, why does the chemical reaction happen? Below you will find a simple explanation of the science behind the reaction as well as 10 ways to experience the reactions for yourself.
The Science:
Vinegar is an acid, while baking soda is a base. When scientists mix an acid and a base, there is usually a dramatic response. In this case, mixing vinegar and baking soda makes a dramatic bubbling and fizzing response, which releases carbon dioxide.
Observations:
Before exploring these chemical reactions, make observations and discuss what we know about our materials. Use all of your senses! What do you notice about baking soda? You may notice that it looks like a powder, it is soft to the touch, and it is white. What do you notice about vinegar? You may notice is is a liquid, it is clear, and it has a strong smell. If your child cooks or bakes in the kitchen often, they may notice these are both ingredients you can use for recipes. When testing the projects below, be sure to make predictions and continue to make observations.
Muffin Pan:
Simply fill the individual spaces on your muffin pan with baking soda. Add food coloring for a fun color effect. Then, drip vinegar on the baking soda and enjoy the reaction. I suggest using a pipette to add the vinegar to strengthen your little one's fingers.
Snowy Cars: Start with a shallow tray full of baking soda. Enjoy driving your toy cars around and making tracks in the “snow.” When it’s time to expand the activity, add drops of vinegar and watch the “snow” begin to fizz. Continue the fun after the fizzing subsides for some soggy baking soda sensory entertainment.
Baking Soda Art:
Spread baking soda along a flat tray. Add food coloring drops throughout. Using a pipette, drip vinegar on the baking soda until it has all fizzed. Place a piece of paper (watercolor paper would work best) on top of the reaction. Gently rub the paper. Now, carefully lift up to reveal your beautiful creation. Let dry before displaying.
Inflate a Balloon:
Ask your child: What are some ways we could blow up a balloon? Brainstorm some ideas, then try this new method. Use a funnel to pour vinegar into an empty water bottle. Use another funnel to pour baking soda into a deflated balloon. Place the end of the balloon onto the rim of the water bottle and let the baking soda fall inside. Enjoy the magic!
Fizzy Rainbow:
Pour a thin layer of baking soda onto a paper plate. Using food coloring, create a rainbow on top of the baking soda. Then, squirt vinegar onto the colors and the fizzy rainbow will reveal itself.
Fireworks in a Pan:
Use a pan with high sides so that the firework explosions do not spill over. Start by placing several drops of food coloring in the bottom of your pan. Then add a layer of glitter to the bottom of your pan. Completely cover your glitter and food coloring with baking soda. This will make the fireworks reaction more of a surprise. Finally, spread vinegar all over your baking soda mixture and watch the fireworks rise.
Fizzing Ice:
Fill a large bowl or tub with ice. Pour baking soda, food coloring, and dish soap on top of the ice. Using a pipette, add vinegar on top of the ice and enjoy the reaction!
Playdough Volcano:
Start by adding baking soda, your choice of paint, and a small squirt of dish soap into a cup. If you have a beaker, this will make the shape of the volcano more obvious. Mix the ingredients together. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water. Use your playdough to cover the outside of your cup or beaker. Do not cover the opening at the top. Because your playdough will be getting wet, you may want to use old or dried out playdough. Now that your volcano is ready, add small amounts of vinegar to the baking soda mixture and watch it erupt. Continue until the volcano will not erupt anymore.
Melting Rainbow:
Pour about 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl. Add drops of food coloring, a small amount of dish soap, and a small amount of water. Mix all of these ingredients and then squish them together to create a ball. Do this several times with different colors. Once your baking soda balls are ready, set them all on a plate. Using a pipette, drip vinegar onto the colorful balls and watch as they slowly start to melt. Continue this process until your plate is full of this soggy mixture. Then you can continue to use the mixture for sensory play.
As always, tag me @msewarner on Instagram and Twitter if you try any of these chemistry creations. Challenge your little scientists to create new ways for baking soda and vinegar to interact with one another.
Ms. E Warner
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