Foamy Fountain: Chemical Reaction Experiment

-

 Ages: 8-12

Objective: Engage children in a dynamic experiment to observe a chemical reaction that produces a foamy fountain, demonstrating principles of chemistry and gas formation.

Materials Needed:

  1. Empty plastic soda bottle (16-20 oz)
  2. Small container or dish
  3. 3% hydrogen peroxide (available at most drugstores)
  4. Dry yeast (1 packet)
  5. Warm water
  6. Liquid dish soap
  7. Food coloring (optional)
  8. Safety goggles (recommended for eye protection)

Procedure:

  1. Prepare the Bottle: Place the plastic soda bottle in the center of a small container or dish to catch any overflow.

  2. Mix Yeast Solution: In a separate container, mix one packet of dry yeast with a small amount of warm water. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and becomes a liquid.

  3. Add Hydrogen Peroxide: Pour approximately 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the plastic bottle.

  4. Add Dish Soap: Add a generous squirt of liquid dish soap into the bottle with the hydrogen peroxide. Swirl gently to mix.

  5. Optional: Add Food Coloring: If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture in the bottle. This will add color to the foam created by the reaction.

  6. Add Yeast Mixture: Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle with the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Quickly move the bottle to a safe area (outdoors or a sink).

  7. Observe the Reaction: Watch as the yeast catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, producing oxygen gas and water. The dish soap traps the oxygen gas in bubbles, creating a foamy fountain that may overflow from the bottle.

  8. Discuss the Reaction: Explain to children that the reaction they observed is called an exothermic reaction, where heat is released as chemical bonds break and new ones form.

Explanation:

  • The Foamy Fountain experiment demonstrates the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by yeast. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen gas, with the dish soap trapping the oxygen gas in bubbles to create foam.

  • The reaction occurs more quickly with warm water and the yeast acts as a catalyst, speeding up the decomposition process.

Extensions:

  1. Experiment with Temperature: Test how temperature affects the reaction by using warm or cold water with the yeast mixture.

  2. Change the Catalyst: Try using different amounts of yeast or a different catalyst (like potassium iodide) to observe how it affects the speed and intensity of the reaction.

  3. Explore Safety: Discuss the importance of safety measures when handling chemicals and encourage children to wear safety goggles during experiments.

  4. Create a Hypothesis: Have children hypothesize about what will happen if they change one variable in the experiment, such as the amount of yeast or hydrogen peroxide.

  5. Record and Analyze: Record observations and take notes about what happens during the experiment. Discuss any unexpected results and what might have caused them.

Safety Note:

  • Supervise children closely during the experiment, especially when handling chemicals like hydrogen peroxide. Use safety goggles to protect eyes from potential splashes.

This experiment not only introduces children to chemical reactions but also encourages critical thinking and scientific inquiry through hands-on exploration 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dancing Raisins: A Carbonation Experiment

-
  Ages: 6-12 Objective: Introduce children to the concept of carbonation and buoyancy while creating an entertaining and engaging experiment. Materials Needed: Clear glass or plastic cups (one per participant) Clear carbonated beverage (such as soda water, sparkling water, or lemon-lime soda) Raisins (or other small, dense objects like dried cranberries or small candies) Timer or stopwatch Procedure: Fill each glass about halfway with the clear carbonated beverage. Drop a few raisins into each glass of carbonated beverage. Observe what happens to the raisins. At first, they will sink to the bottom. Start the timer and watch closely as the raisins begin to move. Record how long it takes for the raisins to start rising to the surface and "dance" around in the carbonated beverage. Discuss observations and findings with the children. Explanation: Carbonated beverages contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas. When you open a bottle or can of carbonated beverage, the gas is released, c
Read more

DIY Crystal Geodes

-
  Ages: 8-12 Objective: Engage children in a hands-on science experiment to create their own crystal geodes using household materials, while learning about crystal formation and the properties of supersaturated solutions. Materials Needed: Eggshells (cleaned and halved) Alum powder (available at grocery stores or online) Hot water Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl Spoon Food coloring (optional) Paintbrush (optional) Glue (optional) Glitter or small decorative beads (optional) Container or egg carton to hold the geodes while they dry Procedure: Begin by preparing the eggshells. Carefully crack eggs in half and remove the egg contents. Rinse the eggshells thoroughly with water and allow them to dry completely. Heat water in a saucepan until it reaches boiling point, or heat water in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. Use enough water to fill the eggshells. Slowly add alum powder to the hot water, stirring continuously until no more powder dissolves. Keep adding alum powder until
Read more

: Colorful Volcanic Eruption: DIY Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment

-
  Ages: 5-10 Objective: Engage children in an exciting and educational experiment to create a colorful volcanic eruption while learning about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. Materials Needed: Small plastic bottle or cup Baking soda Vinegar Liquid dish soap Food coloring (assorted colors) Tray or basin (to contain spills) Optional: Safety goggles and apron Procedure: Place the plastic bottle or cup on a tray or basin to catch any spills during the experiment. Add a small amount of baking soda to the bottom of the bottle or cup, using approximately 1-2 tablespoons. Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with water in a separate container to create a soapy solution. Pour the soapy solution into the bottle or cup, covering the baking soda at the bottom. The soap helps to create foam and bubbles during the eruption. Add a few drops of food coloring to the soapy solution in the bottle or cup, using different colors to create a colorful effect. Pour vinegar into the bot
Read more