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A vibrant splash of rainbow-colored liquid and crushed ice erupting in midair, forming vivid peaks of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

Rainbow Sugar Explosions That Bounce and Pop

A fun, colorful science-meets-art activity where vibrant baking soda balls fizz, bounce, and pop when vinegar is added. Perfect for engaging kids in creative play!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 activity setup
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • food coloring various colors
  • water just enough to create a moldable paste
  • vinegar in a squeeze bottle or dropper

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine the baking soda and cornstarch. Stir until well blended.
  2. Divide the dry mix into small cups—one for each desired color.
  3. Add a few drops of food coloring and about a teaspoon of water to each cup, just enough to create a damp, moldable paste.
  4. Roll each colored paste into small balls or blobs.
  5. Let the rainbow balls rest on a tray for 10–15 minutes to firm up slightly.
  6. Place the balls in a tray or baking dish with raised sides to contain the fizzing reaction.
  7. Use a dropper or squeeze bottle to squirt vinegar onto the colorful blobs and enjoy the fizzing, bouncing, and popping colors!

Notes

This hands-on experiment is safe and exciting for kids. For even more fun, use glitter or scents in each colored batch. Always supervise young children and place a towel or mat under the tray for easy cleanup.