Rapid Crystal Eruption Bowl
A fun and educational science experiment that creates beautiful, colorful crystal formations right in your kitchen, perfect for all ages.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
Eruption Enhancements
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- to taste drops food coloring Choose your favorite colors.
Supplies
- 1 unit small bowl or container
- 1 unit baking sheet or tray
- 1 unit plastic or disposable cup (optional) For concentrated eruptions.
- 1 unit wooden stick or spoon For stirring the mixture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Lay down newspaper or a plastic sheet to protect your surfaces.
- Gather all materials to ensure a smooth process.
Mix the Base
- In your small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
- Watch as the mixture fizzes and bubbles! This is the chemical reaction at work.
Add Color
- Stir in a few drops of food coloring to the mixture.
- Observe how the color swirls and blends with the bubbling mixture.
Create the Eruption
- Pour the entire mixture onto your baking sheet or tray.
- Optionally, use a plastic cup to create a more concentrated eruption by pouring the mixture into it.
Add Corn Syrup
- Drizzle 1/4 cup of corn syrup on top of the mixture.
- Keep an eye out for how the syrup interacts with the baking soda and vinegar mixture.
Wait for Crystals to Form
- Let the concoction sit undisturbed for at least 2-3 hours.
- Come back to see beautiful crystal formations develop!
Notes
Experiment with different food colorings for unique effects. Consider adding essential oils for delightful scents. You can also substitute baking soda with salt or sugar for variation in texture and appearance.