Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Bubbling Wizard's Brew

It was very rainy today, so it was a PERFECT day to do a science experiment. Today we did "Bubbling Wizard's Brew". Here's what you'll need to do this experiment:

clean glass jar(s), clear vinegar, food dye, glitter, dishwashing liquid, baking soda, a teaspoon, a mixing spoon, a large baking tray

DIRECTIONS: Fill the glass jars halfway with the clear vinegar and add several drops of food coloring.

Now sprinkle a little fine glitter over the top of the vinegar/food coloring mixture.

Add a good squeeze of dishwashing liquid to the jars.

Then, gently stir the mixture with a metal spoon to mix everything together. Put the jars in the middle of a large baking tray. Add a heaping teaspoon of baking soda to the jars and see what happens!




WOW! I like how the glitter made the brew look magical. You could add some star shaped confetti to make it look even more magical.

HOW IT WORKS: The foam is caused by a chemical reaction. The mixing of vinegar and baking soda creates lots of tiny gas bubbles. The bubbles then churn up the dishwashing liquid, making even more foam.

To see this experiment and many more other fun activities, check out "The Usborne Big Book of Science Things to Make and Do."