Here’s a simple science experiment to make raisins dance using baking soda and vinegar! It is similar to our “How To Make PopCorn Kernels Jump” experiment we did a while back. We used alka-seltzer tablets for that experiment but it still yielded a similar result-so be sure to check it out after you learn how to make raisins dance! On to our science experiment…
So for a few of our experiments, we’ve been using organic food sources and it honestly doesn’t have that effect you want…like it just doesn’t work (sometimes). But all we had were organic raisins and so we crossed our fingers and toes and went to work. (note: it DID work! so if you have organic raisins try it! and if you have non-organic raisins as well, try them out, too! You can compare to see if there is a time difference of when they begin to float to the top.)
So here is a list of the materials we used to make raisins “dance”.
Supplies:
Water
Transparent Bowl
3 tsp of baking soda
About 10 raisins
5 tbsp of vinegar
Safety Goggles
Directions:
*Safety Goggles On*
1️⃣Fill the glass bowl 3/4 full of water. (So basically fill the bowl with water but don’t let it overflow)
2️⃣Add 3 teaspoons of baking soda to the water and gently mix them together.
3️⃣Add the raisins to the glass bowl.
4️⃣Add 5 tablespoons of vinegar into the glass bowl.
5️⃣Observe and record your observations.
*Discard everything when done with experiment. DO NOT EAT*
So why/how could this happen?
Simple Explanation: Raisins are denser than water. So when raisins are added to the water, it just sinks. But when vinegar and baking soda are added in, they create a carbon dioxide gas which then attaches to the raisins- raising them to the surface. When the carbon dioxide gas bubbles “pop” or are released at the surface, the raisins fall back down. And the process repeats. And so now the raisins are “dancing”.
…And of course my youngest had to create his own experiment which you see in this video 😆. He hoped the raisins would explode upwards along with the baking Soda/vinegar solution…but it didn’t. ☹️. So then he wanted to leave it soaking in the solution for a few days to see what would happen👨🔬… Update: some of the raisins swelled- Osmosis!!
Have you tried this experiment? If you did let me know how it went by commenting below. Also let me know if you used something other than raisins- I’m always looking for new experiments to do with my kids as they love science.
And if you haven’t already, check out “How To Make PopCorn Kernels Jump”
Other Fun Experiments To Try: