Bubble Explosions!
Overview
Campers will learn about chemistry as well as acids and bases, they will then mix
baking soda and vinegar together in a zip-lock bag, stand back and watch a home made
explosion!
Topic (s) Chemistry
Grade Level 1-2
Cost (per student) $0.17
Time (preparation and activity) 1 hour
Complexity Easy
Ontario Curriculum Links
Adaptations for classroom use may be required if grade is different from that above.
Matter and Materials-Grade 1- Characteristics of Objects and Properties of
Materials
• Describe using their observations, ways in which materials can be changed to
alter their appearance, smell, and texture (e.g. cooking changes the smell and
texture of ingredients on a pizza; painting rough wood makes it smoother)
Materials and Matter-Grade 5- Properties of and Changes in Matter
• Describe the changes they observe in the properties of materials when the
materials interact with each other (e.g. when paints are mixed; when water is
combined with gelatin)
• Describe examples of interactions between materials that result in the production
of a gas (e.g. antacid tablets in water; baking soda in vinegar)
Theory & Background Information
Chemistry is a branch of science that deals with the composition of substances, their
properties and reactions. In chemistry, a chemical reaction happens when two or
more molecules combine to produce something different from the original substances.
The original substances involved in a chemical reaction are called reactants and the
substances that are remaining after the reaction are called the products. Sometimes
chemical reactions can be observed by noticing a new product being produced (may be
solid, liquid or gas), a colour change, a new smell, or the release of heat.
The term Acid comes from Latin and means sour tasting. Acids are corrosive to metals,
change litmus red and become less acidic when mixed with bases. Vinegar is an
example of an acid. A base feels slippery, changes litmus blue and becomes less basic
when mixed with an acid. Baking soda is an example of a base.
When mixing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with vinegar (acetic acid), carbonic acid
is formed. Carbonic acid is unstable and it immediately falls apart into carbon dioxide
ESQ Activity Write-Up 2006
Bubble Explosions!
and water. The bubbles you see from the reaction are the result of the gas come from
the gas (carbon dioxide) that is produced. Each bubble is filled with carbon dioxide.
Materials
Per Class
1 Measuring cup
Per pair of campers:
¼ cup warm water
Zip-lock sandwich bag
Paper towel
1 ½ tbsp of baking soda
½ cup of vinegar
Procedure
Preparations
1. Assemble all of the materials
Activity
1. Ask the campers if they know what chemistry is. Explain that chemistry is a
branch of science that deals with the composition of substances, their reactions
and properties.
2. Explain that today we will be chemists as we mix substances together to create a
chemical reaction. Ask if the campers know what a chemical reaction is.
Explain that it is characterized by a chemical change. Substances called
reactants are mixed together and they create a new substance called a product
which is different from the reactants.
3. Ask campers what they think will happen if we mix baking soda and vinegar. Help
them come up with the answer that there will be a mini explosion and bubbles will
appear.
4. Explain that this happens because vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a base.
Write on the board these terms and their characteristics. Explain that the term
acid come from a Latin word that means sour. Ask students for something else
that could be considered an acid and help them come up with a lemon. Explain
that acids have more hydrogen ions and they are corrosive to metals. Acids
become less acidic when mixed with a base. Now ask about a base. Bases
contain excess oxygen ions feel slippery and become less basic when mixed with
an acid.
5. Put the campers into pairs and then hand out materials not allowing the campers
to touch them before instructions are given. Have a leader go through the steps
at the front of the room as the rest of the leaders scatter among the campers and
help them with the activity.
6. Take the piece of paper towel and pour 1 ½ tbsp of baking soda into the paper
towel and fold it so that the baking soda does not fall out.
ESQ Activity Write-Up 2006
Bubble Explosions!
7. Pour ½ cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of water into the zip-lock bag
8. Next take the campers outside to finish the experiment. Once outside have the
campers one at a time with a leader put the paper towel into the zip lock bag and
close it quickly.
9. The solution will pop the bag creating a bubble explosion!
Activity Accommodations and Extensions
If it is raining cover the front desk with garbage bags and have the students come up in
groups to test their bubble explosions.
Safety Considerations
Campers should not drink the vinegar or put the baking soda in their mouth.
Resources
http://www.exploratorium.edu/science_explorer/bubblebomb.html
http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=58
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/react_acidbase.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_reaction
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/react_intro.html
ESQ Activity Write-Up 2006