It’s Calie here, with yet another simple science adventure that you can try at home with your little ones.
This experiment is a personal favorite in our household, and I stumbled upon it during those long days at home a few years back.
It’s simple, it’s entertaining, and it’s educational – the trifecta of a perfect home science experiment!
Today, we’re talking about the “Dancing Raisins” experiment. Yes, you read that right – raisins that dance!
This activity is not only a hit with young kids but also offers a fascinating glimpse into chemical reactions and buoyancy with just a few household items.
What You’ll Need
- Clear soda (any brand will do, as long as it’s fizzy)
- A clear glass
- Plain water (or any non-carbonated liquid for comparison)
- A handful of raisins
How to Get Your Raisins Grooving
- Preparation: Fill one clear glass with clear soda and another with plain water. The clear glass allows you to see the action unfold without any visual obstructions.
- Action Time: Drop a few raisins into each glass. Now, it’s time to observe! You’ll notice that in the glass with clear soda, the raisins begin to move up and down, as if they’re dancing. In the water glass, well, not so much excitement there.
What’s Happening Behind the Scenes
The secret behind the dancing raisins lies in the fizzy nature of soda. Soda is packed with carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles in the liquid. When you drop raisins into the soda, these gas bubbles attach to the rough surface of the raisins.
As more bubbles cling on, they increase the buoyancy of the raisin, lifting it towards the surface. Once these bubbles reach the surface, they burst, releasing the gas into the air and causing the raisin to lose its buoyant support and sink back down. This cycle of rising and sinking creates the delightful illusion of dancing raisins.
In contrast, the glass filled with water or a non-carbonated liquid doesn’t have these carbon dioxide bubbles, so the raisins simply don’t have the same opportunity to show off their dance moves.
This experiment is a fantastic way to introduce young minds to concepts like buoyancy, gas solubility, and the principle of density in a fun and interactive manner. It’s a vivid demonstration of how different substances react differently under similar conditions due to their inherent properties.
Video
For those visual learners out there (and let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to see dancing raisins?), check out this engaging video: Dancing Raisins Experiment Video.
It’s a great way to get a preview of the experiment or to follow along as you conduct it yourselves.
More Experiments About Density
100 Easy Science Experiments Your Kids Can Do At Home
The “Dancing Raisins” experiment is more than just a fun activity; it’s a doorway to curiosity, questioning, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
So, grab a glass, some soda, and a few raisins, and get ready to be amazed by the simple wonders of science.
Happy experimenting, and may your raisins dance with joy!
Warmly,
Calie
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
