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.
-
- 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.
If you liked this post, you may also enjoy these posts: