Chemical Reactions for Preschoolers

If your kids are anything like mine, they love bubbles. Bubbles outdoors, bubbles in a bath, Bubble Guppies... You get the point. I knew my twins would enjoy this science experiment where they could combine vinegar and baking soda to make foam and BUBBLES!  Bonus: I already had all the items needed and I bet you do too.

Supplies you will need:

• Cup of Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Clear glass or cup
• Tablespoon

The kids scooped a tablespoon of baking soda into a clear glass.  I would recommend a larger glass for this so you have more room for bubbles and fizzing.  Here is A dropping baking soda into her glass. I love that you can see the little cloud of dust above the glass.  See that look on her face?  That is the last time you will see my kids not smiling during this activity.

See?  Here come the smiles. "A" just dumped a tablespoon of vinegar in her glass with the baking soda and was delighted to see the reaction that occurred.  Before she added the vinegar, I asked he what she thought might happen and she said "let's see."

B was positively giddy as the vinegar combined with the baking soda.  The girls kept pouring the vinegar in tablespoon by tablespoon until I suggested we could see what happens if we pour a lot of vinegar in at  once.  "A" guessed that it would make "big bubbles."

You can see the results!  We had a bit of an overflow.  But the smiles continued.

Where did the bubbles go?

My kids aren't old enough yet to understand the science behind this chemical reaction, but it sure made an impression on them.  We all enjoyed this simple science activity.  The kids loved the foam and bubbles, and I loved their reactions. I know this will be a big hit with your little one as well.  For more science, check out Colorful Dancing Milk.

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