Who Is Ready To Make A Small Firework Show?

The Fourth of July is right around the corner. Celebrate with our STEM challenge that will have kids create their very own small firework show using baking soda and vinegar. 

What is the science behind baking soda and vinegar? When baking soda is mixed with vinegar, something new is formed. The mixture quickly foams up with carbon dioxide gas. If enough vinegar is used, all of the baking soda can be made to react and disappear into the vinegar solution. 

What do you think? Can you make your own small firework show?

• Who Is Ready To Make A Small Firework Show? Creator Sheet
• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Cookie Cutter
• Spoon
• Glitter
• Small Squeeze Bottle
• Tray
• Plastic Table Cover (optional)

• Start by breaking students up into groups of three or solo if distance/virtual learning.
• Have students create a team name.
• Tell students that the objective of this challenge is to create fireworks!
• Place a tablecloth over tables, just in case!
• Squeeze bottles should be filled with vinegar.
• Put the cookie cutter into the tray.
• Add about a tablespoon of baking soda to the inside of the cookie cutter.
• Make the baking soda flat, inside the cookie cutter.
• Sprinkle some glitter on top of the baking soda.
• Add a little more baking soda to cover the glitter.
• Now carefully add a few drops and vinegar to the baking soda.
• Slowly add the vinegar drops, and add more if you want a bigger and to continue your reaction.