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Fizzy Cauldron

Students mix baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and a little dish soap in a mini 'cauldron.' The bubbling foam becomes visible evidence that a chemical reaction produced a gas.

Primary

Acid–base reaction; formation of CO₂ gas

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Project Details

Theme

October | Chemistry

Messy Level

3

Suggested Location

Outside

Prep & Classroom Structure

  1. Introduction to Chemical Reaction Video for Class, 4min

Play video in-class to prepare a conversation about Physical and Chemical change.


  1. Lead Classroom Demo: Pukey Pumpkin

Revisit specific concepts from previous video and emphasize on the physical matter (powder v liquid) that they can see as you're demonstrating the Puking Pumpkin front and center.






  1. Student-led Demo: Bubbling Cauldron

Transition the conversation into the next activity where each student can create their own reaction. Ensure student is set up with pre-measured ingredients to promote independent play. For safety, students should wear goggles and mess apron. Review materials below ahead of lesson and see screenshots below for an idea of set up.




Prep:

- Allow some time for set up.

- You may want to carve the pumpkin the night before.

- Each cauldron should have pre-measured amounts of ingredients ready ie. pre-filled syringes with vinegar, baking soda in cauldrons.

- To avoid messes, ensure students wear goggles and mess apron.

- (Optional) In the puking pumpkin print out there's a cute comic book-style handout for the kids that kind of goes over the lesson that they can take home as well.




Clean up:

  • Please keep some time reserved for clean up.

  • Cauldrons can be recycled based on how messy they are.

  • Trays will need to be rinsed in the kitchen




Materials

  • Miniature cauldrons

  • Vinegar

  • Glitter

  • Baking soda

  • Dish soap

  • Syringe

  • food coloring

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Tray to catch the mess

  • Tape

  • Aprons

Project Instructions

  • Place the cauldron on a tray.

  • Pre-fill with 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp glitter.

  • On the side include light, floatable accessories such as spiders and tiny eyeballs that the children can place themselves as well as mini brooms.

  • In a separate cup, mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 drops green food coloring and a drop of dish soap and pre-fill syringes for each child.

  • Ask students: What do you think will happen?

  • Shoot the green vinegar syringe into the cauldron.

  • Watch it fizz, bubble, and overflow!

  • Explain: Baking soda + vinegar create a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide gas.

  • Ask: What did you notice?

Class Video

Please share with teacher:



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