Field Trips, South Carolina State Museum
Educational Resources

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Hands-On Science - Let's Get Poppin' (With Baking Soda and Vinegar)

 

Film Canister Popper

Materials Needed:

Film canister (the clear/opaque kind with the lid that snaps on) - Don't have one? See below for an alternative Sheet of toilet paper, tissue paper, or paper towel Baking soda Vinegar Eye protection if you’ve got it. If not – just be careful and keep your head away from the top of the canister

Instructions: Fill the film canister about half way (or a little less) with vinegar. Next, put the tissue paper on top of the canister and very, very carefully add the baking soda. Being very careful, and while holding the tissue in place, put a little spoonful of baking soda on the tissue. The goal here is to create a baking soda area that stays away from the vinegar until you flip the canister. The first few times you try this out you’ll probably mess up and tear the tissue and make the reaction happen too quickly. It’s ok! It happens to all of us. Put the lid on the canister, securing the tissue paper at the top and keeping the baking soda away from the vinegar. Once you’re ready – flip the film canister and watch it go! Make sure no one’s face is near the canister itself. It should pop up into the air – sometimes going as high as 15ft! Remember to share your results with us!

 


 

Bag Popper

Materials Needed:

Baking soda Vinegar Zip Lock Bag

Instructions: Pour about 1/4c of vinegar into the bag. Moving quickly, Pour a huge overflowing tablespoon of baking soda into the bag and zip it closed. Put it on the ground and step back. After a few seconds it should pop! If it doesn’t – try it with a different baggie that has a better seal. I’ve even taped them closed before.