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  • Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

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    Home » Learning Activities

    Simple Science Rising Raisins

    Published: Jan 1, 2014 · Modified: May 12, 2022 by Vicky · This post contains affiliate links.

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     If you are looking for ways to make learning fun, look no further. We have been having lots of fun with some simple science experiments such as Baking Soda Experiments and Erupting Play Dough. What I love about simple science is that it uses supplies that most of us already have at home. This simple science rising raisins experiment is a great way for kids to learn about gas bubbles and practice making a hypothesis and testing out theories.

    child watching raisins rise in a cup

    Simple Science Rising Raisins

    You will need:

    • Raisins
    • White vinegar
    • Baking soda
    • Glasses
    • Water
    • Seltzer or a carbonated beverage
    science experiment with raisins

    To start, fill a glass ¾ full with water. Then add 5-6 raisins.

    raisins with baking soda and vinegar

    Observe what happens to the raisins. My kids noticed that they sank to the bottom of the glass.

    raisins at the bottom of a glass with clear liquid

    Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda

    child pouring baking soda in a cup

    and stir until it dissolves.

    child stirring liquid in a glass

    Next, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and stir to combine the vinegar and baking soda.

    child adding vinegar to a glass

    You'll want to have a camera handy for this part of the experiment as the expressions on the kids faces when the raisins start rising are priceless.

    My daughter started out keeping a close eye on the raisins and watching bubbles form on them. When she saw the first raisin rise she exploded with glee.

    child laughing

    All of my kids had similar reactions.

    Dancing raisins

    The raisins would take turns rising and sinking back to the bottom. It was like a carousel of raisins! We talked about how the baking soda and vinegar combined to make gas bubbles. When enough bubbles formed on the raisins they were able to rise until they got to the surface when they popped and the raisins traveled down again.

    baking soda and vinegar experiment with raisins

    We had such success with the baking soda and vinegar combo that we decided to try to levitate the raisins using a carbonated beverage. We made some seltzer water using our Soda Stream, though any carbonated beverage would do. I would stick with something clear though so you can see the raisins.

    pouring seltzer into a glass with raisins

    We poured the seltzer water into a glass filled with raisins and waited. The raisins started getting bubbles on them like when they were in the baking soda and vinegar mixture. It took a while, but one raisin did bob to the top and sink back down. Unfortunately, I was not quick enough with my camera to catch it.

    Our conclusion was that the raisins in baking soda and vinegar had more bubbles surrounding them and rose quickly and consistently while the raisins in the carbonated beverage really did not. I would love to hear about your results, especially if you use other carbonated beverages. Leave me a comment below and tell me how your experiment turns out.

    raisins in a glass with seltzer

    If you are looking for a fun and engaging way to keep kids passionate about learning, check out Groovy Lab in a Box. These boxes are presented in partnership with Popular Mechanics so you know you'll be getting some great stuff each month. Kids will love Groovy Lab in a Box because it contains everything they need to do experiments focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Kids will get all the supplies they need to complete the activities in addition to a cool lab book. Subscribe here.

    If you liked simple science rising raisins, check out:

    Balloon Experiments

    Chemical Reactions for Preschoolers

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. gotfried

      August 09, 2015 at 3:20 pm

      I tried it and it was fun to see the raisin raising up and sinking down.

    2. MINDIALLEN

      January 25, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      FYI--Tried this w/ craisins and it didn't work!!

    3. Vicky @ Mess For Less

      January 12, 2014 at 8:56 pm

      Too funny Melinda!

    4. Melinda

      January 03, 2014 at 7:13 pm

      i saw this earlier in the week and I laughed because it looked like the raisins had eyes LOL hope you come over and share this on #kidsinthekitchen this week http://lookwhatmomfound.com/2014/01/kitchen-tools-gadgets-kids.html

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    Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

    Valentine's Day Activities and Recipes

    • Valentine’s Dessert Cheese Ball
    • Valentine's Brownie Cake Pops
    • Valentine's Chocolate Covered Pretzels
    • Valentine Ideas for Kids - Glitter Hearts

    Winter Activities

    • Q-Tip Painted Snowman Craft
    • Winter Shaving Cream Paint
    • Pinecone Snowman Craft
    • Melted Snowman Craft

    Popular Recipes

    • Crack Chicken Casserole
    • Overnight Egg Casserole
    • Toasted Italian Sandwich - Food Fun Friday
    • Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

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