Science Experiments for Kids: Making Raisins Dance

The California Raisins aren’t the only dancing raisins.  Making raisins dance is a super simply science project that you can complete with your kids.  Truth is, you may not need to help with this one at all!  Grab a can of Sprite or 7Up (or any clear generic soda pop), a few raisins, and a clear dance so you can watch raisins dance.   You can also print the Science Experiment Worksheet and have your child complete it before starting.

To make raisins dance all you need to do is pour Sprite into a glass. Add your raisins and watch as they dance and move up in the glass.

Turn on some dance music and encourage the kids to join in with the raisins while learning about science.

Some questions you and your child may have could include:

• Will the raisins sink or float?
• What will the raisin look like after 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes?
• How do raisins taste after being put into Sprite?
• What happens if you put raisins into water (instead of Sprite)?

Add a few other items from your pantry to the Sprite.  Suggestions include macaroni noodles, rice, beans, and corn.

Why this experiment works

Raisins are denser than the liquid in the soda, so initially they sink to the bottom of the glass. The carbonated soft drink releases carbon dioxide bubbles. When these bubbles stick to the rough surface of a raisin, the raisin is lifted by tiny carbonation bubbles because of the increase in buoyancy. When the raisin reaches the surface, the bubbles pop, and the carbon dioxide gas escapes into the air. This causes the raisin to become more dance, lose buoyancy, and sink. This rising and sinking of the raisins continues until most of the carbon dioxide has escaped, and the soda goes flat. Furthermore, with time the raisin gets soggy and becomes too heavy to rise to the surface.

Did you try to make raisins dance? How did it go?

See Also: Science Experiments for Kids: Blow up a Balloon with Vinegar and Baking Soda

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