Summer Science: Edible Chemistry Experiments for Kiddos!

Okay, you are going to need another coffee can or a shoebox to hold supplies, such as citric acid, baking soda, sugar, etc.  Which labs are fun?  I looked for a bunch of edible experiments.  Why?  Daring your sister to try some nasty concoction you just mixed up is half the fun.

1. Sherbert and Popping Candy require Pop Rocks.  The sherbert is more of a powder—more like FunDip.

2.  Fizz Bizz involves clear soda and candy. (Add Dancing Raisins for tiny kiddos.)  This experiment has much more science than exploding Mentos in Coke. You’ll need seltzer water, straws, pipe-cleaners, M&Ms, Skittles, and Mentos.  Once caveat; this may be too much school and not enough summer fun.  I’m teaching Chem and Phys this fall and plan to use it. 

3.  Packets of sodium alginate and calcium lactate are a splurge.  However, kiddos love these experiments!  Steve Spangler has Worms instructions.  The ‘string slime goo’ is sodium alginate; the string slime activator is calcium lactate, calcium chloride, or calcium acetate—any of these work.  Use a pipette or plastic syringe to play with spherification, Water Ball Science.  Powdered Kool-aid or food coloring add to the fun.  Be sure to add sugar to these experiments!  The Fizz Wizard and Jammin’ Jelly kit has several similar labs.  This kit has the same components as the Edible Chemistry kit.  

4. Butterfly Pea Tea uses baking soda and vinegar; it won’t harm your kiddo when he can’t resist a taste.  It will however be nasty.

5.  Another classic is Make your soda—pop!  Kiddos make their own fizzy drinks.  Kool-aid powder adds drama.  Your children will beg you to try their drink mixtures.  Add sugar!