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Fizz-Bubble-Pop!

This activity is meant to be used as a supplement or extension. It came from various sources as it was developed by several teachers.

What you and your partner will need:

  • 3 zip-lock sandwich bags
  • marker for labeling bags
  • a sink or dishpan
  • vinegar
  • 4 tissue paper squares
  • towel or newspapers to cover the work area
  • baking soda
  • teaspoon
  • metric ruler
  • tap water

What to do 

  1. Put one level teaspoon of baking soda in the center of a tissue paper square.  Roll the paper up and twist the ends closed like wrapper.  Make two of the "roll-ups."
  2. Use the marker and ruler to draw a line 2 cm from the bottom of each zip-lock bag.  Label one bag vinegar, one bag water, and one bag vinegar and water.
  3. Predict what changes you will observe in each bag if you drop in one baking soda roll-up.  In the chart below, write what you think will happen.
I predict
the vinegar bag will  
the water bag will  
the vinegar and water bag will  
  1. While your partner holds the vinegar bag, pour in vinegar up to the 2 centimeter line.  Seal the bag.
    In the same way, pour water to the line in the water bag.
    In the last bag pour vinegar half-way to the line and then finish filling to the line with water.
Here's a Safe Science Tip.

When you try smelling, keep your nose and face away from the bags.  Instead, use your hand to fan the odor towards you.  You'll still smell it, but you won't get a strong enough whiff to burn your nose or eyes.
  1. Use your senses of sight, touch, and smell to observe each bag closely.  Write all your observations in the chart below.
  2. Now test your prediction.
    Drop one roll-up into the vinegar bag and quickly seal the bag.  What happens?  Record any changes you observe.  Is this what you predicted would happen?
    Repeat with the other tow bags.
    In which bags do you observe the most changes?  What do you think happened inside these bags?  Why didn't the same the happen in all three bags?

My Observations
Bag labeled What I see, feel and smell before adding one roll-up Changes I observe after adding one roll-up
vinegar    
water    
vinegar and water