We absolutely love science experiments and projects here! They are such a great way to build on children’s natural curiosity and encourage critical thinking. This dancing raisins science experiment was one of Lucy and Theo’s favorites!
Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board for even more ideas!
Check out even more science activities in the video below!
Dancing Raisins Science Experiment
Materials for Dancing Raisins Science Activity
- raisins
- 2 clear glasses
- carbonated water and regular tap water
Procedure for Dancing Raisins Science Activity
- Pour some carbonated water into a clear glass.
- Add some raisins and watch what happens.
The raisins begin rising up to the top of the glass and then going back down again. The kids were mesmerized!
Questions to Spark More Curiosity & Critical Thinking
What do you see? What do you think makes the raisins go up? And why do you think they go back down again?
Some observations and questions Lucy came up with as she was experimenting~
“I wonder what will happen if I push the raisin down with my finger. Will it come back up?”
“I think the bubbles lift the raisins up and down.”
“I wonder what would happen if I put this cap in the water.”
Then we also got out a glass of regular, non-carbonated water to see what would happen and make comparisons.
“The raisins sink in the regular water.”
“The cap floats in the regular water. I think it will sink in the bubble water. Nope.”
“Lets see what these beads do in the water.”
“I wonder why the raisins are not going up and down anymore. Maybe we should take them out and then put them back in.”
Want to go even further?
Even more activities to inspire creativity and critical thinking for various ages.
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- Think of a way to record what you observed.
- What other materials might ‘dance’ in the bubbly water? Why?
- Try this experiment, but instead of using carbonated water, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. What happened?
- Time how long it takes one raisin to rise after being dropped in the water. Does the time increase, decrease or stay the same over time? Why?
- Related book (affiliate link)~ The Magic School Bus Ups And Downs: A Book About Floating And Sinking
Explanation: The tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide stick to the raisins at the bottom of the glass and carry them up to the surface. Once enough of the bubbles pop, the raisins sink down again, and then begin collecting more bubbles.
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Baking Soda and Vinegar Science: Dancing Rice
Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiment: Exploding Baggies
Science Activities for Kids: Mirrors and Reflections
Science for Kids: Chemical Reactions Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Science for Kids: Exploring the Surface Tension of Water with Paperclips
Science for Kids: Balancing Robot (FREE Printable)
Mary Catherine says
March 11, 2013 at 6:44 pmWhat a fun experiment for the kids! I like all of the open-ended questions, and I loved the extension suggestions. Thanks for sharing this!
chelle says
March 11, 2013 at 6:53 pmLooks lie they greatly enjoyed it 🙂
Thanks for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
chelle says
March 11, 2013 at 6:55 pmlooks *LIKE* they greatly enjoyed it…:-) where is the edit button?!? …lol…;-)
Melinda@LookWhatMomFound...andDadtoo says
March 12, 2013 at 6:41 amthis is great, a little food science. I would love if you linked this or other food fun with is on Fridays, #kidsinthekitchen theme http://www.connectingfamilyandseoul.com/2013/03/a-healthy-spring-snack-for-kids-from.html
Ticia says
March 12, 2013 at 4:22 pmWe had a waiter bring over one like this, and it entertained my kids for 20 minutes. I need to try this at home sometime.
Chelsey says
March 13, 2013 at 9:50 pmThat’s a pretty good waiter!!! 🙂
Tracey@We-Made-That says
March 13, 2013 at 6:16 pmOh this is a fun experiment. We did this a few weeks ago and my girls LOVED it. I just love getting the kids excited about science. Thanks for sharing on We Made That!
Hannah says
March 19, 2013 at 8:44 amPinning this cute experiment for future fun!
Thanks for sharing with us at Eco-Kids Tuesday! Hope you join us again today! http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2013/03/flip-trainer-review-at-eco-kids-tuesday.html
Savannah says
March 19, 2013 at 10:24 amWhat a great way to learn about bubbles and floating. My guess is that they ate the raisins when you were done, too. I hope you’ll consider adding this (and many of your other posts) to Look What We Did. Here is a direct url: http://hammocktracks.com/buttons/
playspotter says
March 25, 2013 at 1:53 pmWow – love this idea! Just found you through pinterest and going to be checking back for more!
Chelsey says
March 27, 2013 at 9:28 pmThank you! So excited to have you here!
Amber Ratza says
April 28, 2014 at 7:17 pmIs this done with cold water or room temperature?
Chelsey says
April 28, 2014 at 8:14 pmTo be honest, I don’t remember the temperature of the water. It was quite a while ago. It’d be a fun experiment to try both and see which works better!
Kelli says
April 21, 2015 at 7:41 amOK…this didn’t work for me! I used carbonated mineral water (it’s just what we had on hand) and I’m wondering if that made the difference. Anyone know? I feel sheepish!!!!
Chelsey says
April 21, 2015 at 9:22 amInteresting, Kelli! Was it a brand new bottle? It would seem like any kind of carbonated liquid would work. If you end up trying it again with a different type of carbonated water, and it works, let me know! I’m so curious!
Anonymous says
October 3, 2017 at 7:56 amthat might be because that drink was not carbonated enough. try something like mtn. dew
Lizzie says
November 20, 2018 at 10:44 amThis was really fun, though I used baking soda, vinegar, and water.