Our Fizzing Planets activity perfectly introduces kids to space while engaging them in hands-on science fun! This easy project combines art and science to let little learners create their own colorful planets using simple kitchen ingredients.
Space Themed Baking Soda Science for Kids
This fizzing planets activity is part of our “I Can Explore Space” theme for preschoolers (older toddlers and kindergarteners, too)! Baking soda and vinegar science is fun for many ages and introduces the concept of chemical reactions to young kids.
Grade Level:
- Preschool (ages 3-6)
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Flour
- Vegetable oil
- Vinegar
- Food coloring
- Droppers
- Deep tray
- Rocks and gems
How to Prep the Fizzing Planets Science Activity
Start by making the “cloud dough” that forms the surface of your planet.
- Ingredients: 1 cup flour, 1 cup baking soda, ¼ cup vegetable oil
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl until you get a soft, crumbly dough that can be shaped and molded. This will serve as the base of your planet.
Student Instructions:
Step 1: Decorate your planet with rocks and gems.
Step 2: Use droppers filled with vinegar mixed with food coloring to add color to your planet. Watch the fizzy reaction!
Simple Science Behind It
This is more than just a fun craft! When you add vinegar (an acid) to the baking soda (a base), a chemical reaction takes place that produces carbon dioxide gas. This makes the colorful bubbles you see fizz and pop, giving kids an exciting introduction to science in action!
💡Read more about baking soda and vinegar reactions [here].
Extension Space Activities:
- Planet Color Exploration: Talk about the colors on the real planets in our solar system. What color is Mars? How about Neptune? Use these planet coloring sheets!
- Fizzy Space Art: Combine art and science and explore baking soda and vinegar reactions as you create a fizzy galaxy!
- Galaxy Playdough Mat: Extend the fun with our free constellation playdough mats and explore space further with hands-on play.
- Learn About Craters: Cloud dough is a fantastic tool to teach kids about craters and their formation.
- Fizzing Moon Rocks: More baking soda science for kids with this fizzy moon rock activity.
- Add our “I Can Explore Space” Preschool Pack with 15+ printable activities!
Printable Preschool Space Theme
Ready to explore more space-themed fun? Check out our Preschool Space Theme Project Pack for more hands-on activities, printables, and ideas that will make learning about space a blast! Click [here] to get your pack today.
