Erupting Rainbow Science Experiment for Kids Chemistry

I might just be waiting for Spring, but I love rainbows. With the 19″ of snow we got yesterday, I figured what better time than to share an erupting rainbow science experiment with you. So pretty and easy to do with kids, you can check out simple kids science in so many different ways.

FIZZING AND ERUPTING RAINBOW SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

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AWESOME RAINBOW SCIENCE IS PERFECT ALL YEAR LONG

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This isn’t the first time we have enjoyed rainbow themed science! Look at all the fun but also simple to do ways to explore beautiful colors while incorporating great science ideas too. Slimes, crystals, LEGO, and more! We have tons of science projects to choose from.

I have to say that my son has been really into our test tube science experiments. Whether it’s mixing potions or dissolving candy. Adding a few science themed items and tools can truly bring out the junior scientist with little expense. You can check out the test tubes and rack below.

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Simple science activities like this fizzy rainbow eruptions science experiment offers an element of play along while introducing a specific learning idea. For this activity it is the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar, two common kitchen ingredients.

CHECK OUT HOW WE SET UP THE RAINBOW ERUPTIONS SCIENCE EXPERIMENT BELOW!

What happens when baking soda and vinegar mix? Make sure to ask your kids what they think will happen if they have never tried it before. If they have tried it, ask them if they can recall why it happens?

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WHAT’S THE SCIENCE

When the baking soda which is a base mixes with the vinegar which is an acid, you get a reaction. The reaction between the two produces a gas called carbon dioxide.

This reaction is all the fizziness you can hear, see, and even feel. Plus we added a bit of dish soap which makes it a little frothier!

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You can continue to add vinegar and baking soda to keep the reaction going as much as you like. We had to work fast to get the whole rainbow fizzing at the same time.

ERUPTING RAINBOW SCIENCE EXPERIENT SUPPLIES

Vinegar

Baking Soda

Dish Soap {optional}

12 Test Tubes

Test Tube Rack

Food Coloring

Spoon and Measuring Cup

ERUPTING RAINBOW SCIENCE EXPERIMENT SET UP

The first step is to mix up all the colors of the rainbow by adding food coloring to vinegar! We set up two rows of 6 test tubes and filled one row with vinegar. Practice color mixing by adding food coloring to the vinegar.

The second step is to add a couple spoonfuls of baking soda to the other row of test tubes. Now if you don’t have test tubes yet, you can use mini water bottles or small vases.

You want to use something that is narrow enough to force the chemical reaction up and out for the eruption effect. If you use a wider vessel, the gas will have more room to spread out before it spreads up! You will also need to consider adding more baking soda to a larger container.

Lastly, add a couple drops of dish soap to each test tube containing baking soda.

Now for the fun part, mixing! Once you have explored the original rainbow science reaction experiment, my son was thrilled to go ahead and mix colors together, add baking soda or whatever. Science can be really fun!

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Beautiful rainbow science you can find in your kitchen cupboards! Kids will love this cool chemical reaction and erupting rainbows science experiment the next time you have a free hour to play and explore.