Exploding Rainbow

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Are you stuck inside with your kids lately? Is the weather outside preventing everyone from frolicking outside in the warmth of the sun? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Winter can be hard for adults and kids alike which is why I’m excited to share a very fun indoor activity with you! Today’s Exploding Rainbow “experiment”, we’ll call it, uses ingredients that you most likely have in your kitchen already. If the sun isn’t shining outside, we might as well create rainbows inside! 

How to make an exploding rainbow. A science fair idea or easy science activity for kids

Exploding Rainbow

Chances are, you might have done this experiment at school when you were a student. If not, it’s so easy! Kids love to make explosions or watch things react to form bubbles. While this rainbow doesn’t explode everywhere (that just isn’t necessary, right moms?), it will definitely erupt and bubble over each container.

Exploding Rainbow

The best way to prevent your kiddos from going nuts in the house is to plan activities as often as possible. Kid-friendly crafts and activities don’t have to be expensive though! And no, kid-friendly crafts and science projects don’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Exploding Rainbow

The simple rainbow “experiment” below uses ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen already. And anyway, if it’s raining outside, we might as well create rainbows inside, right?

Exploding Rainbow

As far as science projects go, this one is a fun and festive winner. Sure, science-wise, kids love to make explosions and watch things form bubbles.

Exploding Rainbow

While this rainbow doesn’t explode all over (that just doesn’t seem necessary, right?), it will definitely erupt and bubble over.

 

You Will Need

  • Small plastic containers
  • Rainbow food coloring (I use the gel kind found at a craft store)
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • An easy-to-clean hard surface (a little soap and water will do the trick)

Directions

  1. Place a drop of food coloring at the bottom of each plastic container.
  2. Fill up each container 1/2 way with vinegar.
  3. When the kids are ready, drop 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda into each plastic cup.
  4. The mixture will start to fizz, then it will bubble, then it will rise, and before you know it, the colors will explode over the containers and melt into each other on the hard surface.

The reaction happens quickly, so be ready. If there is leftover liquid in the containers, add a little more baking soda or vinegar, and watch it happen again.

And don’t forget to explain to kids how it works: Carbon dioxide is a gas that’s created when vinegar (an acid) is mixed with baking soda (a base).


Kelly Dixon

Welcome to Smart School House! I’m so glad you are here! I’m Kelly Dixon and my website is designed to inspire your creative side. I hope you visit us here often!


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