Toddler Science Experiments
With this experiment we decided to test out the different reactions three ingredients had when combined with vinegar. We used baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Now you might think that baking soda and baking powder are similar but we were surprised to find that their reactions to the vinegar were different!
What You’ll Need:
- vinegar
- baking soda
- baking powder
- flour
- 3 bowls
- 3 colors of food coloring
- syringe or eye dropper
What you do:
1. Add food coloring into the bowls.
2. Let your child pour vinegar into each bowl.
3. Spoon a mound of each flour, baking soda, and baking powder into a tray. I found it easier to place the flour in the middle to differentiate between the baking soda and baking powder.
4. Suck up the first colored vinegar into your syringe and allow your child to drop a few drops onto the top of the baking powder. (Note: my 19 month old daughter decided to dump the whole bowl over the top so we just went with it… they had quite a fun time!)
5. Do the same with the second color (or just allow them to pour it on top) and note the differences in the reactions. Did the flour bubble at all? Did the flour dissolve at all? What was the same?
6. Now it’s time for the baking soda! Take the last color and drop it over the baking soda. Note how quickly it reacts. How are the bubbles of the baking soda combination different from the bubbles of the baking powder combination? Did you notice that the baking soda bubbled up faster and foamed more?
7. Now for a lot of added fun mix it all together! What are you left with? Yep… a mess. But a fun mess!
Not only can you have fun while experimenting with your child, you can also tackle a few subjects at once! By using food coloring I was able to talk about mixing different colors together as well as seeing how the mixtures reacted.
Before we started I didn’t mention reactions or volcanos at all. But as soon as my son saw the last reaction his exact words were, “It’s like a volcano! Mom, we made a volcano in the tray!” And I knew he got it!
Science experiments are fun. And they can be as simple as adding one ingredient to another.
What toddler science experiments would you like to try with your child(ren)?
Every week Danielle brings great kids crafts to Formula Mom!
Danielle is a work-at-home-mom of two beautiful kids and writes at the Simmworks Family Blog.
She loves to blog about her family, healthy living, going green and crafting. Danielle would love for you to come visit! You can reach her on facebook and twitter as well. If you have any questions feel free to email her at simmworksfamily@gmail.com.
About Mariah
Definitely a day full of fun! My boys would be most fascinated by this as they are really into science! Thanks to the great activity!
Amber Edwards recently posted..Loving your Pet, Greenies Smartbites Cat Treats
Wow! That is really cool! I love science experiments. My daughter and I were just talking about all the fun that we had making a volcano for one of her experiments when she was younger.
Dawn
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Dawn recently posted..Anole Shedding Equals Gross #WordlessWednesday
That looks like so much fun!
Ellen Christian recently posted..What’s Cooking Wednesday – Recipe linky
I’m sure my son would be intrigued with this! Must try this over the weekend or once my 6 yr old goes back to school.
Marina recently posted..Fruit & Nut Breakfast Rolls Surprise { Meal Maker Challenge: Week 3: Peter Pan Peanut Butter!}
I can see my older boys doing these types of experiments with my youngest. Love the blue bin you have for doing messy things.
Laura O in AK recently posted..Giving Back During the Back to School Season, #BagItForward #Champions4Kids #CBias
Messy fun! Love it!
@MryJhnsn from iNeedaPlaydate recently posted..Word(less) Wednesday: Turned Seven and Heading to Second Grade