Holiday Cookie Cutter Science
Did you know baking cookies is actually chemistry? Who knew that with all of the holiday baking, you are really doing a science experiment? A special chemical reaction occurs to give our cookies and other baked goods a little lift. While you’re baking cookies this holiday season, save the cookie cutters for a little science fun with baking soda, water and vinegar to see how these all react together! This is a super simple activity that can even include the smallest of kids.
Supplies
- Cookie cutters (we used a variety of our holiday ones)
- Baking soda
- Water
- Vinegar (optional)
- Eyedropper
- Cinnamon (we used just for the smell)
- Tray/plates
Instructions
Place cookie cutters on tray or plate. Fill cookie cutters with baking soda, just one even level. Top baking soda with cinnamon for that extra holiday smell!
Use a bowl of water and eyedropper to see what happens when you drop water on the baking soda. Because baking soda has a base and acid combined, it lets off carbon dioxide which causes it to rise.
We noticed it caused a bit of a rise with water but then switched to vinegar to see what happened. Immediately the baking soda erupted! My young child used all the vinegar in our bowl until it was empty – he loved making them all explode and make loud “whoosh” noises.
Check out what happens when you use different liquids on baking soda- you might be surprised!
For more DIY and eco-friendly projects, check out our Pinterest page!
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Photos & content by: Heather Kucenski
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