Unleashing the Power of Chemistry: Baking Soda Pucks

Baking soda is an ingredient that is commonly used in baking to create a fluffy and light texture. But, baking soda can also create an exciting chemical reaction that can teach kids about the science behind it. In this STEAM workshop, we will explore the science behind baking soda pucks, an easy and fun experiment that will mesmerize kids.

To create the baking soda pucks, all you need is baking soda, water, a cupcake tray, cupcake liners, a small toy, and vinegar. You can also add food coloring to create a visually appealing effect. Simply mix the baking soda and water until you get a dough-like consistency, then add the food coloring and mix well. Place a small toy, such as a plastic gold coin, inside a cupcake liner and fill it with the baking soda mixture. Flatten the top of the mixture and place it in the cupcake tray. Repeat the process until all the cupcake liners are filled. This mixture does need a few days to dry. The more water that is used, the longer it will take for the water to evaporate.

The magic happens when you add vinegar to the mixture. Use a pipette to drop vinegar on the baking soda puck, and watch as it fizzes and bubbles, revealing the hidden treasure inside. The reaction occurs because baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) react to form carbon dioxide gas, which creates the fizzing and bubbling effect

By doing this experiment, kids will learn about the properties of baking soda and vinegar, including how they react with each other to create a chemical reaction. They will also learn about the concept of gas formation, and how it causes the fizzing and bubbling effect. This STEAM workshop is a great way to introduce kids to the world of chemistry in a fun and engaging way.

We recently did this experiment for St. Patrick's Day, and dyed the mixture green to make it more festive. Kids were excited to see what was hidden inside the baking soda pucks, and they loved the anticipation of waiting for the chemical reaction to occur.

Overall, this STEAM workshop on baking soda pucks is a fun and educational activity that will spark kids' curiosity about science and chemistry. It is a great way to introduce kids to the world of science and get them excited about learning. So, grab some baking soda, vinegar, and a few other materials, and get ready to unleash the power of chemistry!