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My son loved making this fizzy potion experiment for Halloween using baking soda and vinegar. He thought it was so cool to see the magical ‘potion’ bubbling up. This is great for Halloween parties, as a science center activity or just for weekend fun during October, especially on a rainy day!
Similar to this dinosaur egg hatch, this activity is a great way to introduce preschoolers or elementary age kiddos to chemical reactions in a fun and themed way. This Halloween themed potion is the perfect way to learn while having some spooky fun!
What is a Fizzy Potion Experiment?
A fizzy potion experiment is a fun, seasonal twist on acid/base reactions and a fun way to introduce science to kids. It’s perfect for teaching kids about carbon dioxide bubbles while they have fun! It’s a low cost activity that does not take very much time at all and that is easily repeatable. Let your child pour the vinegar into the mixture for a fun lesson about cause and effect!
Supplies for your Experiment
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Jello powder (you could also use food coloring or water color paint)
- Dish soap (optional, but does add a foamy fizz)
- Small plastic cauldrons (you could use a bowl or mini jack o lantern too!)
- Spoon, measuring spoons or eye dropper
- Baking tray – you could use a bowl or plate as well, but you’ll want something to catch the overflow and to contain that mess!
Optional Extras
- You could add plastic toy spiders, eyeballs, glitter for more fun!
How to Make Your Fizzy Potion Experiment
Set-up (safety first!) Always supervise younger children. I recommend using a baking tray to contain the fizz, plus it makes clean up a lot more simple. You could also take this one outside!
Start by adding about 2 Tbsp of baking soda into your small plastic cauldron or bowl.
Next, Add 2-3 tsp of green Jello-O to the cauldron. You can use food coloring here too, or water color paint. The jello smelled better so we went with that! This is also when you can add your optional dish soap. To keep it more toddler friendly go with the basics.
Slowly begin to pour your vinegar into the cauldron and watch the fun chemical reaction take place!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Jell-O for the color?
No, you can also use food coloring or liquid water color paint to achieve the different colors.
Can I make fizzy potions without vinegar?
Yes- you could experiment with another acid like lemon juice or citric acid!
Why add dish soap to the experiment?
Dish soap can make the result a bit more foamy, which can make the reaction last a bit longer.
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Get the How-To
Supplies
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- ⅓ cup vinegar
- 2-3 tsp green jello powder
- 1 tsp dish soap (optional)
Instructions
- Start by adding about 2 Tbsp of baking soda into your small plastic cauldron or bowl.
- Next, Add 2-3 tsp of green jello to the cauldron. You can use food coloring here too, or water color paint. The jello smelled better so we went with that! This is also when you can add your optional dish soap. To keep it more toddler friendly go with the jello powder only.
- Slowly begin to pour your vinegar into the cauldron and watch the fun chemical reaction take place!