Dancing Raisin Experiment

(Day 7 of our 101 Days of Summer Fun for Kids)

Supplies:

• 1/4 Glass water
• 4 T. Vinegar
• 3 t. Baking soda
• 5 Raisins

1.  Fill a glass 1/4 of the way with water.  A bigger glass works best.

2.  Add four tablespoons vinegar to the water.

3.  Slowly add three teaspoons baking soda to the mixture.  Have a towel close by in case it overflows!

4.  Drop the raisins into the glass one at a time.

5.  Wait.  Wait.  Wait.  The raisins will eventually rise to the top and sink once they have enough bubbles on their surface to lift them to the top.

While I was expecting dramatic raisin *dancing*, this is a much slower-paced experiment!  Also, I would suggest using white, distilled vinegar, but I only had apple cider available…and I didn’t want to go buy anymore!!

*Simple explanation:  When you combine vinegar and baking soda, you create carbon dioxide (the gas found in soda pop).  The bubbles collect on the surface of the raisins and lift them up so they float!  Once they reach the surface, the bubbles escape.  The raisins sink and the process begins again.