Ingredients
- 1 clear drinking glass, 12 fluid ounces or larger, straight-sided if possible
- 1/2 cup cool tap water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon uncooked white rice, long-grain or medium-grain
- 1/4 cup white vinegar, 5 percent acidity
- 1 small measuring cup, 1/4-cup size
- 1 tablespoon measuring spoon
- 1 small funnel, optional, 2 inches wide or smaller
- 1 shallow tray or rimmed plate, at least 10 inches wide
- 1 clean kitchen towel, 12 by 24 inches or larger
- 1 pair child-size safety goggles for each child, optional but useful
- 1 apron or old shirt for each helper
- 1 sheet of scrap paper and 1 pencil for observations, optional
Instructions
- Cover your table with the shallow tray before you measure anything.
- Place the clear glass in the center of the tray.
- Measure 1/2 cup of cool tap water and pour it into the glass.
- Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and stir gently until most of the powder disappears.
- Measure 1 tablespoon of uncooked rice and drop it into the glass.
- Pour 1/4 cup of white vinegar into the small measuring cup.
- Pour the vinegar slowly into the glass, leaving a little space at the top.
- Observe the rice and bubbles for 5 minutes.
- Repeat the experiment after the first mixture has settled, changing just one detail for comparison.
Notes
Safety Notes: This activity suits children about age 4 and older with close adult supervision. Keep vinegar away from eyes and do not combine it with bleach or other cleaners. Do not let children taste the mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
