I love simple experiments with kids. One of our all-time favorite experiments is exploring the chemical reaction of baking soda and white vinegar. When baking soda (a weak base) is put in contact with vinegar (a weak acid) the two react in an acid-base neutralization reaction. The bubbles that we see are carbon dioxide caused by the reaction. My child love the idea that they are being real scientists. Beyond the simple science lesson this Multisensory Baking Soda Vinegar Experiment touches on sense of sight, touch, smell, hearing (I’d skip taste!) as well as coloration exploration and artistic expression. Let’s get started!
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WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE MULTI-SENSORY BAKING SODA VINEGAR EXPERIMENT
baking soda-this large bag is a good choice
white vinegar- get a large bottle like this one
food coloring
large pans (I like them to be at least 12 inches long)
jars/cups
droppers/pipettes
AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT
scientific exploration (chemical reaction, introduction to basic scientific terms)
sensory exploration (sight, touch, hearing, smell)
color exploration
artistic expression
language development
TIME FOR THE MULTI-SENSORY BAKING SODA VINEGAR EXPERIMENT!
Hands down, this is my favorite activity. Whether we are looking for rainy day fun, an afternoon boredom buster or the perfect playdate activity exploring the baking soda vinegar experiment is the best! Begin by setting up a layer of baking soda
Now it is time to explore the vinegar and water. Begin by seeing what happens when a small amount of colored vinegar is squeezed on the baking soda. Whoa! What is that bubbling? What is the sound?
The baking soda (a base) is reacting to the vinegar (an acid). The bubbles that are so much fun to watch and listen to are carbon dioxide (CO2). While the children are exploring the two materials focus on questions that explore the different senses. What does the reaction sound like? What does the baking soda smell like? The vinegar? Do the two substances smell different when combined? What happens when you combine yellow and blue together? What does you baking soda-vinegar creation look like to you?
