Bubbly Brew Science Experiment

We love science experiments--especially ones that bubble, fizz, and "explode!"  I love it even more when the children are in charge--they learn so much more from hypothesizing, planning, and experimenting.  This bubbly fountain of a science project came from my kids, so today I'm going to share their creative process.

It began with this balloon experiment:

When we finish something like this, I always ask the kids, "What would you like to test next?"  They wanted to add bubbles to vinegar and baking soda.  My daughter grabbed a bottle of bubbles, and instructed me to add it until it took up about 1/3 of the water bottle.  Then we added about 1/4 more vinegar, and 2 tablespoons baking soda.  This was the amazing result:

The kids wanted to do one more experiment...with color!   We ended up "exploding" the experiment at least three more times.  Each time, a different child added a drop or two (or as little as their small hands could manage) of food coloring.  The colors swirled, and pretty soon, we had all this:

Of course, they needed spoons and fingers to really experience the experiment!  The beautiful part of this experiment is that it is completely non-toxic.  I wouldn't recommend letting children eat soap, but nothing in here is more dangerous than washing your hands.

What's going on in this science experiment?  The vinegar and baking soda react and release carbon dioxide.  The carbon dioxide gets trapped by the bubbles and makes an even more exciting reaction.  The bubbles carry the food coloring out into beautiful patterns!  Older kids can discuss acids and bases, polar molecules, and properties of soap and water during and after this science project!




I may share at any of these parties!