Experimenting with "Chemical" Reactions - Child Project

One of my son's Christmas presents was a science kit geared toward younger children (4+). All of the experiments involve things you typically can find in your own kitchen and involve mixing liquids and powders and determining if the liquid is an acidic or not. Both of my children loved this quick little project - and could have done it all day if I were willing to keep dumping baking soda into cups. This does require adult supervision, so please don't walk away from the table if you choose to try this.

What you need:

A plate to catch spills
Cups for mixing and holding liquid
Baking Soda
Liquids of choice - make sure one is an acid (we used milk, vinegar, and water)
1 tsp
1 tbsp
Stir stick (optional)
Food coloring (optional)

Put a tsp of baking soda into a cup (add a couple drops of food coloring if you wish)

Let your child choose a liquid to add to the baking soda, and have them guess what the reaction will. Explain how to tell if the liquid is an acid or not.

The photo above is the result of adding water first, then the vinegar.

Here is an example of straight vinegar.

My self-proclaimed scientist concocted this one all on his own (by adding milk and food coloring to the vinegar).

As simple as this may seem, by children we absolutely amazed by it. Give it a try and see what combinations you and your children come up with.

Take care!

-Lisa