Dancing Raisins!

Last week we had our first science experiment at our house.  Thanks to a subscription to National Geographic Little Kids from Nana and Papa, C has been learning lots of fun new things.  Each issue comes with a science experiment and C really wanted to try this one out.  He LOVED it!  We did it three times in one day...the time it held his attention dropped each time, but even on the third time he still enjoyed it.  If you have an older toddler/preschooler  you should try this out!  (B is almost 2 and she was less than thrilled about the whole thing...she just wanted to dump the cup all over the table.  :) )

What you need: half glass of water, vinegar, baking soda, raisins

What you do: Add four tablespoons of vinegar to half glass of water.  Now add three teaspoons of baking soda.  The mixture will fizz (your kid will love this part!)  Drop five or so raisins into the glass one at a time.  At first they sink. Soon the raisins start rising and sinking in a slow dance.

Why it works: When you mix vinegar and baking soda, you create carbon dioxide.  That is the gas found in sodas.  It makes bubbles collect on the raisins, lifting them up so they float.  At the surface, the bubbles escape and the raisins sink.  When more bubbles collect on the raisins, up they go again!

Let me know if you try it with your kiddos and what they think of it!  I know mine loved it!