Homegrown Science: Make Your Own Foam Rainbow

Simple kitchen ingredients create an interactive, colorful bubbling introduction to gas.

Photos: Nicole Ladonne Blair

The Science

Vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) mix to create carbon dioxide gas. This is the same gas that creates bubbles in soda and other carbonated drinks.

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Supplies:

• Deep white plate or dish
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Food coloring
• Glitter

Photo: Nicole Ladonne Blair

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Instructions:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the plate.
2. Add glitter and small drops of food coloring.
3. Pour vinegar onto the mixture and watch the solution bubble and foam.
4. When it stops, just add more vinegar and baking soda.

Photo: Nicole Ladonne Blair

Our Tips

• Instead of a plate, use a large bottle or vase to prevent spills.
• Use your four senses. What do you hear? What colors do you see? How does the solution smell and feel?