If you’re looking for some science experiments with explosions then you’ll want to try this exploding bag experiment. This exploding bag experiment is so cool and so much fun. Your kids are going to love learning about chemical reactions using these explosive science experiments. While this exploding bag science experiment is great for kids of all ages, it’s best for preschoolers and elementary aged kids regardless if they’re at home or in the classroom!
Exploding Science Experiments For Kids
This Exploding Baggies Science Experiment for Kids takes full advantage of the baking soda and vinegar reactions. Kids will have a blast — literally — watching the bags fill with gas and pop right before their eyes.
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Supplies Needed To Try This Exploding Baggies Science Experiment for Kids
Here’s what you need to create the Exploding Baggies Science Experiment for Kids:
How To Do This Exploding Science Experiment For Kids
Step 1
Pour the vinegar into a baggie and add food coloring to it.
Step 2
Twist the baggie just above the liquid and secure with a clothespin, leaving a space at the top.
Step 3
Add the baking soda to the empty space and seal the bag.
Step 4
When you’re ready for the fun, remove the clothespin and allow the baking soda to fall into the vinegar.
Step 5
Watch as the bags fill with gas and explode in a fizzing mess!
Isn’t it fun?!
What Is THe SCience Behind This exploding bag experiment?
Well, you’re mixing chemicals and seeing the chemical reaction between the baking soda pouch and vinegar. The drops of food coloring just makes it more exciting. But why are the bags exploding?
Well, during the chemical reaction you are mixing a base (baking soda) and vinegar (an acid). And when you mix these ingredients the baking soda is transformed into water and carbon dioxide. And since the bags are closed, the carbon dioxide gas builds up causing it to explode. Once it explodes the gasses and foam is then released. So you want a space with a lot of room, because it’s gonna get messy!
exploding bag experiment Safety Gear
This isn’t a particularly dangerous experiment, but it’s good to instill safety when doing science experiments. Some safety gear for kids (or little scientist in this case) would be:
We are all about a fun science experiment, but we are also all about being safe. A cup of vinegar is safe enough that it probably won’t hurt you if you touch it, but accidents happen. We don’t want it in eyes or anything.
Materials
- Plastic Bags
- Clothespins
- Food Coloring
- 1/3 cup Vinegar (for each bag)
- 2 Tbsp Baking Soda (for each bag)
Instructions
- Pour the vinegar into a baggie and add food coloring to it.
- Twist the baggie just above the liquid and secure with a clothespin, leaving a space at the top.
- Add the baking soda to the empty space and seal the bag.
- When you’re ready for the fun, remove the clothespin and allow the baking soda to fall into the vinegar.
- Watch as the bags fill with gas and explode in a fizzing mess!
Related: Make a battery train
Did you know? We wrote a science book!
Our book, The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments, features tons of awesome activities just like this one that will keep your kids engaged while they learn. How awesome is that?!
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Did you try this exploding science experiment? How did your kids like this science experiment?