Make science fun with a neat chemistry activity with a spider theme. This kitchen science experiment uses simple supplies but delivers an awesome learning experience for young kids.
Exploring Science Concepts
Introducing basic science concepts to young kids builds many important skills. Kids learn to make predictions, solve problems, and test ideas. Simple experiments like this baking soda and vinegar spider science activity encourage curiosity and hands-on learning. Add a fun theme like spiders to keep learning experiences playful.
Fizzing Spider Experiment Set-Up
For this science spidery activity most of the supplies you probably already have in your kitchen!
Supplies Needed:
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Water
- Food Coloring
- Plastic Spiders and Google Eyes
- Mixing Bowl and Spoon
- Tray
To set up this spider science experiment, you need to create a packable baking soda dough. I mixed a 2-lb box of baking soda with 3/4 cup water. The baking soda dough should be packable but not watery. If it’s too crumbly, add a little water. If it’s too wet, add more baking soda. Add spiders and google eyes and mix all together.
You can pack this dough many ways depending on how many kids will be experimenting. I used a small plastic food storage container. This is a great size for several kids. You can also make individual ones in small paper cups.
Pack the mixture into your cups and pop them in the freezer to harden. Take out 10-15 minutes before you are ready to use them. Loosen by running warm water around the sides or tear away paper cups.
Explore and Investigate
To begin the spider science experiment, put a few drops of food coloring in small bowls of vinegar and set the bowls on a tray. Place your frozen spider science activity on the tray along with tweezers, turkey basters, eye droppers, or small spoons.
Let the experimenting begin! Encourage your kids to test out all the tools provided. Our spider science experiment also helps develop fine motor skills! Basters and eye droppers make great fine motor tools for little hands.
Jumbo tweezers also make great fine motor tools!
What’s the Science?
What’s happening in this spider science activity? Ask your kids what and why questions to encourage observation skills! Where does the fizzing come from? When a base {baking soda} and vinegar {acid} mix, they form a chemical reaction which produces the fizz! It’s called carbon dioxide, and it’s pretty cool!
This is also a frozen science experiment, so kids are also learning about melting and change! Simple science experiments like this one provide so many ways to learn and play.
Why not count the spiders when done for a simple spider math activity!
BIO: Sarah is the creator of Little Bins for Little Hands where she shares simple science experiments, STEM activities, and tactile sensory play recipes. She is also the proud mom of a busy little boy. Check out their favorite science experiments all year long! You can connect with her on Facebook and Pinterest.
