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Everyone loves dinosaurs, and this easy chemistry experiment is a great way to engage your kids with science. Using basic household ingredients, discover what happens when you mix an acid and a base together. Can you uncover your dinosaur?
What you’ll need:
- Vinegar or citrus juice
- Water
- Bicarb soda
- Food colouring
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Toys dinosaurs
- Gloves (optional)
- Plate or bowl
Instructions
- Put your gloves on to keep your hands clean and avoid staining your skin during the experiment.
- Add bicarb soda to the mixing bowl, enough to cover your chosen toy.
- Add a few drops of food colouring to colour the bicarb, and mix well with your fingers.
- Start adding a spoonful of water at a time, mixing as you go. You’re trying to make a paste that’s a little thicker than toothpaste.
- Scoop up half the mixture into your hand and make a cup shape in your palm. Make room for your toy and place it in the middle, then squish around the toy, adding more mixture to completely cover it.
- When you’re happy with your egg, carefully place it in a bowl or container and leave in the freezer for 1 hour. The longer you leave it the harder it will be to uncover.
- When you’re ready to fizz, place your egg on a plate/bowl and slowly drizzle the vinegar or citrus juice over the top. Continue adding until your toy is free!
What you’ll learn
This chemistry experiment demonstrates the reaction between an acid and a base, called a ‘neutralisation reaction’.
The vinegar or citrus juice is acidic, meaning that its molecules have extra hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate soda is basic, which means that its molecules can accept hydrogen ions. When the acid and base are mixed together, the reaction produces water and carbon dioxide gas which we can see as bubbles!
Looking for more activities to do at home?
