Hobbies And Interests
Bubble Explosion
When baking soda and vinegar interact, the molecules create an explosive reaction that engages fifth grade students in the chemical properties on display. All you need for this project is water, a measuring cup, plastic zip top bags, paper towels, baking soda and vinegar. Wrap baking soda inside a folded paper towel and drop the paper packet into a mixture of vinegar and water inside of a plastic bag. Close and shake the bag. Set the mixture-containing bag on the ground. Back up as it explodes. Discuss the science behind the explosion as the release of bubbles from the combination of the elements that must break out of the bag.
Bake a Cake
Baking a cake is more than just a home economics project. Baking demonstrates the scientific principle that when a base (baking soda) interacts with an acid (buttermilk or orange juice), a chemical reaction occurs that causes the overall mixture to rise upon encountering heat. This experiment is useful because it connects science with everyday life for fifth graders. Split students into groups and tell them to follow a cake or bread recipe that calls for baking soda to be added to the mixture. Have students check on the cakes while baking and talk about why the mixture is rising. Discuss the chemical reactions making the cake rise and connect the lesson back to your teaching on acids and bases.
Baking Soda Volcano
A baking soda volcano creates an engaging reaction that students can see and feel. Instruct students to construct volcano displays out of cardboard or poster board and 16-ounce clean water bottles. Get creative with volcano displays, adding color and foliage to make them look more realistic. On a designated day, direct students to bring their model volcanoes to class and fill the bottles inside the volcano displays with a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, dish soap and red food coloring. Explain that the combination of an acid like vinegar with a base like baking soda inside a container causes an explosive reaction. Compare that reaction to the way real volcanoes erupt in nature, contrasting the similarities and differences.
Inflating Balloon
Combine baking soda and vinegar inside a balloon to demonstrate the carbon dioxide gas that releases as a byproduct of the mixture (Ref. 4). Fill an empty balloon with a few tablespoons of baking soda and stretch the neck of the balloon over the flask. Flip balloons over to dump the baking soda into the vinegar and watch as carbon dioxide gas is released into the balloon, causing it to inflate. Remove the balloon, tie off the end and watch it fall to the floor. Explain that the balloon falls because carbon dioxide is heavier than air. Compare that with helium, which is lighter than air and therefore causes balloons to float.