There is nothing wrong with using baking soda and vinegar or Alka-Seltzer and balloons for inexpensive, chemical reaction labs. Here is a similar reaction lab with balloons; however, the lab combines a citric acid solution with magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium chloride (table salt), and calcium carbonate (Tums). BTW, this lab from ACS has loads of details to boost your confidence. Here is an ACS lab with Alkaline-Seltzer, called Fizz Race, from last year’s National Chemistry Week Celebration. Want more lab ideas? Celebrating the Chemistry of Art has seven, artsy, mini-labs to try—all with explanations about the underlying chemistry. Try the Stain Glass Glue as a family.
ChemX has a good virtual lab (video demos) for chemical reactions. Watch these videos before you try the labs in Chemical Change. I used these labs with my Chemistry class when I taught Chem remotely during COVID. Look at the list of materials for these labs—all household chemicals. NB the list has both the common name and the chemical name. I made chemistry kits for my kids to use at home with household chemicals.
How about a series of oxidation labs? Let’s start with this ACS Penny lab.. Here is another metal oxidation lab with aluminum foil, stainless steel spoons, and steel wool. Here is a teacher’s complete guide to corrosion, a form of oxidation, with even more lab ideas. Grab your safety glasses and get started!
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