Fizzy Hearts Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment for Kids
I’ll take any excuse to conduct a science experiment with kids! Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, Christmas, Easter, the season doesn’t really matter. It’s always a good time to make chemical reactions. Since it’s Valentine season, this fizzy heart experiment is a wonderful way to celebrate. The Fizzy Hearts Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment for Kids is easy and exciting!
Science Activities for Valentine’s Day:
CONDUCTING SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS WITH KIDS
EARLY SCIENCE ACTIVITIES ARE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE THE SCIENTIFIC PROCESS AND VOCABULARY.
Simple science activities for kids engage them in scientific inquiry before they realize how important it is! For kids, a frozen baking soda experiment is a fun opportunity to make a little mess!
Teachers and parents know the real value behind all of this experimentation, but don217;t worry, we don’t have to tell.
I like to demonstrate experiments first for the whole class. Then, I prepare enough materials to break the class into small groups to try it themselves.
Depending on the age of your students, you might want to round up a few adults to work with each small group.
I also find it helpful to assign group members a role, so that everyone gets to participate in some way.
This frozen baking soda and vinegar experiment requires two separate sessions to allow time for the hearts to freeze.
While you’re waiting, you might make predictions on what happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda.
After the results are in, here is the science behind this baking soda and vinegar science experiment:
- Vinegar contains acetic acid and hydrogen ions
- Baking soda contains sodium and bicarbonate ions
- When the two are mixed together, they create carbonic acid
- The carbonic acid then begins to decompose into carbon dioxide, which rises and creates the bubbles/fizz
Why Is It Important For Kids To Do Simple Science Experiments?
Besides the fact that kids are naturally curious, there are lots of other benefits they’ll reap by exploring mixtures, reactions, and more.
More Valentine’s Day Inspiration:
Materials needed for the Fizzy Hearts Science Experiment:
Get the Supplies Here:
Don’t worry about making a special trip to the store. You can get all the supplies for this activity right here.
- ¾ c. baking soda
- ¼ c. warm water
- Large mixing cup
- Red food coloring
- Vinegar
- Heart-shape silicone mold (an ice cube tray also works)
- Shallow bowl
- Medicine dropper (optional)
Low-Prep
High-Engagement
Low-Prep
Expand your activity library with these amazing resources!
How To Conduct The Valentine’s Day Science Experiment
CREAte A BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR REACTION KIDS LOVE
GET STUDENTS THINKING SCIENTIFICALLY BY POSING QUESTIONS BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE EXPERIMENT.
Gather all the necessary supplies before beginning the experiment.
- In a large mixing cup, stir together the baking soda and water until the baking soda is dissolved. Stir in red food coloring.
- Pour the mixture into the heart-shaped silicone mold and freeze overnight or until completely frozen.
- Pour vinegar into the shallow bowl.
- Carefully lower the frozen heart into the vinegar.
- Observe the reaction!
*If you prefer, you can fill a dropper with vinegar and drip it onto the frozen heart for a more localized reaction.
Other Ways To Adapt Valentine’s Science Experiments:
Alter the Mixtures
Create fizzy hearts by freezing vinegar and water. Then, activate by dipping into a baking soda/water mixture.
Play with Amounts
Add more or less of each ingredient, like more baking soda, to compare the reactions.
Create a Challenge
Older students might enjoy a friendly competition. Which group can create the most impressive explosion? How? Why?
Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Books:
We can’t live without these!
Once your child’s creativity is sparked with this fun activity, take it a step further with conversation hearts, crystal hearts, and more Valentine’s Day-themed resources:
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