Fun With Science: Dancing Raisins

Science doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. This fun experiment is easy for kids of all ages to do, it teaches them about the gas carbon dioxide, and it also makes an engaging centerpiece for the table. A perfect activity for a rainy day or when you are looking for something different to do. 

What you’ll need:
•    Raisins or Craisins
•    Clear Container or jar
•    Club soda or any other clear carbonated drink

What to do:
•    Put the soda in the jar
•    Drop in raisins one at a time
•    Watch what happens. 

Why? 
So, why do the raisins go up and down like they are dancing? The bubbles are caused by carbon dioxide. These bubbles cling on to the raisins, carrying them to the top. When they reach the top, the bubbles pop, causing the raisin to sink. Then the bubbles cling to the raisin again, it floats to the top, the bubbles pop and this cycle keeps repeating. 

Variations:

Make Your Own Soda Water
If you want to feel more like a scientist mixing “chemicals” together you can make your own carbonated water. 
•    ½ cup of vinegar
•    ½ cup of water
•    ½ tsp. baking soda

1.    Mix the water and vinegar
2.    Slowly add the baking soda
3.    When the fizzing stops add the raisins. 

Table Centerpiece
Add one drop of food coloring into the jar to make it more colorful. Put it on the table as a decoration. Get a couple of dancing raisin jars and make each one a different color to add even more pizazz to your table. 

Experiment with Other Items
Try putting other items into the soda water to see if they dance. 
•    Grapes
•    Peanuts
•    Carrot pieces
•    Pennies

Science can be fun and a great way to spend quality time with your kids creating wonderful memories. So, release your inner scientist and see if you can make raisins dance.