Baking Soda Growing Trees
Create charming miniature trees using baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring in an engaging and educational activity that blends art and science.
Ingredients
Tree Growing Mixture
- 1 cup Baking soda
- 1 cup White vinegar Can be substituted with lemon juice
- Food coloring Your choice of colors
- Water
Materials Needed
- A shallow dish or tray To catch any overflow
- Small disposable cups or containers To hold the mixture
- Toothpicks or craft sticks For the tree trunk
- Spoon for mixing
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of vinegar.
- Add several drops of food coloring to your mixture for vibrant trees.
- Stir slowly to create a bubbly, frothy reaction.
Setting Up
- Place your small cups or containers on a shallow dish to catch any overflow.
- Use toothpicks or craft sticks as the trunks—stick them firmly into the baking soda mixture.
Observation
- Allow time for the reaction to take place, noticing the fizzing sound and the release of carbon dioxide, which will cause the “tree” to gradually grow and take shape.
Decoration
- Use additional food coloring to drip onto the branches for a more colorful effect.
- Once the trees are formed, let them sit for a couple of hours to harden.
Notes
Experiment with different types of containers, use glitter or colored salt for added sparkle, and swap vinegar with lemon juice or mix essential oils for fragrance.