Outdoor Science Chemistry : Summer Science Bucket List Part 2: Screen Free For Kids

Welcome to part 2 of the Summer Science Bucket List. We are taking the mess outside for some unforgettable chemistry fun! Let's dive deep into the science of soda pop, baking soda, and vinegar.


At Kimberly Scott Science, we aren't afraid when kids say, "I'm bored." Boredom is an opportunity to give kids a spark they can take further. It can feel hard to come up with activities that are fun, meaningful, and expand into explorations that keep them occupied.

That's where this Summer Science Bucket List comes in.


This series is packed with simple, hands-on science activities kids can actually do at home, at camp, in daycare programs, or during summer family time. Most activities use easy-to-find supplies, encourage curiosity, and create memories kids talk about long after summer ends. For older kids, it can lead to independent exploration or deeper investigation with friends.


The Best Part?

Kids won't even realize how much science learning is happening while they play, build, splash, explore, and experiment.


This is Part 2 of the Summer Science Bucket List series, and we are taking the mess outside for some classic chemistry fun! Here are 2 great additions to your summer Fun!


1.  Diet Coke and Mentos Geysers 

The Science of Soda Pop


☀️ Outdoor Activity 🔴 Messy Fun ðŸ§ª STEM Challenge
👧 Best for Older Kids or With supervision  🥽Safety Goggles

Kids Explore:

Physical Reactions

Gas and Pressure

Different Types of Candy and Soda Pop


💓Why Kids Love it:

The eruption, of course. This activity has suspense and excitement. 


💕Why Parents and Teachers Love it:

Even though it uses specific supplies, it is easy to execute. They will also love watching the kids squeal in excitement.


Try This:
What other candies might make a geyser? Does the type of soda make a difference in the height of the geyser?

Materials:
2 Liter bottles of diet soda because regular makes you sticky. Smaller bottles can be used too. Mentos candy and cardstock paper to make tubes for sliding the Mentos inside.


Want to explore more with soda pop?

Check out these fabulous soda pop science activities. This collection of activities can be performed indoors or out. They are sure to fill your summer with fun.



Looking for a full activity, head over to our Teachers Pay Teachers store. 

Make it a complete STEM challenge that can fill a day or a week with excitement. You will learn the science behind why soda explodes when shaken and the key ingredient in the Mentos Diet Coke Geyser. Plus, think critically as you test other substances to see what happens. The results will surprise you.


2. Vinegar and Baking Soda Erupting Bag
☀️ Outdoor Activity 🔴 Messy Fun 🟢 Low Prep ðŸ‘§ Best for Older Kids or With supervision  🥽Safety Goggles

Kids Explore:

Chemical Reactions

Gas and Pressure

Acids and Bases


💓Why Kids Love it:

Kids love anything that fizzes and bubbles. They enjoy anticipating the bag bursting open.


💕Why Parents and Teachers Love it:

You most likely have everything in your kitchen. It uses only a few supplies. Conducting it outside saves on cleanup.


Tip:  Pour the vinegar into the bag. Lay the bag flat. Place the baking soda inside a tissue. Fold the tissue into a pocket. Place the baking powder tissue pocket into the bag. Zip the bag tightly. The tissue pocket gives you enough time to zip the bag before the reaction gets started.


Try This:

How does the size of the bag affect the time it takes for the bag to burst? Does the amount of baking soda affect the bag's expansion?


Materials:

Baking Soda, Vinegar, Zip Lock Plastic Bags(quart or pint), Safety Goggles


Want to explore more with vinegar and baking soda?

Expand a balloon, add a little soap, or create an Alka-Seltzer Rocket for a theme that is perfect for summer camps, day cares, and at-home fun.

 


Looking for a full activity, head over to our Teachers Pay Teachers store. 

Everything is ready to go, and it allows students to practice the scientific method. You will get lots of oohs and ahhs with this activity.
Check out the rest of our summer science bucket list series to get kids moving, exploring, creating, and asking questions about the world around them. Be sure to save this post to find quick activities for every week of summer.



Let's get started!


Go to Part 3

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