This experiment project was inspired by If You Take a Mouse to School. See more If You Take a Mouse to School activities here. 

One of Mouse’s many adventures during his day at school is a purple, bubbling science experiment. Have some of the same bubbling science fun with your young reader by conducting a very safe baking soda and vinegar experiment that introduces chemical reaction – perfect for budding scientists!

Supplies

• 2 plastic cups
• baking soda
• vinegar
• spoon
• food coloring (optional)

1. Pour a small amount of baking soda into plastic cup.
   
   
2. Pour a small amount of vinegar into the other plastic cup.
3. Place a few drops of food coloring in the baking soda. (Optional)
   
   
   
   
4. Spoon or pour vinegar into the baking soda and observe the reaction! 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Science in the Kitchen 

The same bubbling effect caused by the baking soda and vinegar will happen between baking soda and any acid. Try baking up a loaf of Irish Soda Bread with your young reader. The baking soda reacts with the buttermilk in the same way it did with the vinegar. 

Once the baked bread has cooled, cut slices and observe the air pockets. Discuss how the air pockets are the bubbles created by the vinegar and baking soda in the dough and then baked right into the bread.