Science Saturday

I have been wanting to do some science experiments with the girls to get them thinking, questioning, and all that good stuff. Today was our first of what I hope will be many experiments. I found this Bouncing Raisins at National Geographic Kids.

We started with putting a raisin in a glass with water. I had the girls observe what happened in just water. Then had them smell the vinegar and touch the baking soda. They they hypothesized what would happen:
Kyndra: "It will get bigger."
Avery: "It will get flat."

We took turns pouring the vinegar in the water. Then Joe put the first tablespoon of baking soda in. It overflowed all over the counter! So, we got out a bigger jar and started all over. Kyndra was nervous about pouring in anything again so Avery went first. This time I was ready and got some of the reaction on the camera. Next came the raisins. Nothing happened! We watched and watched. We talked about what we now thought would happen:
Kyndra: "I think it will turn into a fish."
Avery: "I think it will swirl around."

We added more vinegar and started getting more action. The raisins started bouncing! The bubbles attach themselves to the raisins and make it float to the top. They they pop, and sink to the bottom again. Kyndra wondered if they would bounce on the counter so I had her fish one out and see. It's hard not just to answer, to let them question and discover on their own. But how fun! How important! How wonderful!