Baking Soda Science

I have been letting Shane experiment with baking soda and vinegar from about the age of 18 months on. The baking soda reacts with the vinegar to form water and carbon dioxide gas but to a toddler the sound and visual change is memorizing even without the scientific explanation. Shane still gets excited when we get out the supplies for this experiment and I love watching him dive into learning about cause and effect, chemical reactions, and when combined with a bit of food dye there is an element of art too! This activity is great for fine motor skills and sensory play plus cleanup is a breeze. 

Supplies

medicine dropper, turkey baster, or teaspoons (basically anything that can be used to drop the liquid)

food coloring

baking soda

a plate, cookie sheet, or dish

vinegar

small bowl 

Directions

1. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda into the dish or plate. 

2. Combine the food coloring and vinegar in a small dish. You can use several colors for fun or just stick with one. 

3. Using the medicine dropper, teaspoon, or turkey baster suck or scoop up the vinegar and squirt or pour it into the pan of baking soda. 

4. For extended learning you can ask your child what they see, hear, and smell. Children can feel the different substances and describe what they are feeling. Children can also try the reverse effect and combine baking soda into a bowl of vinegar and compare and contrast the results.