Kids' DIY Colorful Fruit Explosion Project

In a thrilling display of summer science, Maxwell embarked on an exciting adventure with a unique twist on the classic vinegar and baking soda reaction. The stage was set with a giant container of vinegar (128 oz), enough to fuel numerous experiments throughout the season.

The experiment, known as the Fruit Volcano, is a popular science demonstration without a single credited inventor. It's often a variation of the vinegar and baking soda chemical reaction experiments used in educational settings. The idea is simple: combine the two substances in various fruits and observe the results.

Maxwell and the experimenter discussed making predictions about which fruit would have the biggest reaction, but the experiment largely consisted of pouring substances into fruit and observing the eruptions. The fruits used in the experiment were apple, orange, grapefruit, strawberry, and lemon. Each piece of fruit had a hole cut in the center for the experiment.

To add a splash of colour to the spectacle, food colouring was added to the vinegar. Green vinegar was made during the experiment, with red vinegar following after the blue vinegar was used up. Maxwell enjoyed using the syringe to add coloured vinegar to the fruits, making the experiment even more fun.

Dish soap was an optional ingredient in the experiment. When added to a few pieces of fruit, it made the eruption bigger, but it's not necessary for the reaction to occur. A syringe was also an optional tool for the experiment, providing a more controlled way to add vinegar to the fruits.

The size of the holes in the fruit varied, but approximately 1 tablespoon of baking soda was added to each hole during the experiment. The fruits erupted perfectly, with approximately 85 eruptions recorded throughout the session.

The Fruit Volcano experiment is a simple yet engaging way to explore chemical reactions. It requires basic household items such as various types of fruit, baking soda, vinegar, measuring spoon, food colouring, syringe (optional), dish soap (optional), and a tray or baking sheet. With the purchase of a large jug of vinegar, the experiment can be repeated multiple times, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

For a better understanding of the baking soda and vinegar reaction, a great resource can be found online. So why not gather the family, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create your own fruit volcano eruptions this summer? It's a fun and educational way to keep the kids entertained while learning about science!