Welcome back for another STEM Saturday! I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally be sharing some of our favorite science experiments. Each of the experiments are classics but are experiments we think every kid should try at least once! Have you ever heard of the mentos and soda experiment? I am sure you have! Well, we did this one but we did it with a twist! In fact, we did it 3 different ways and can’t wait to tell you about it!
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3 Variations of Mentos and Soda Experiment
Setting up the Experiment
Did you know the classic “mentos & soda” experiment is actually a demonstration. What this means, is that it usually does not involve problem solving or predictions. Instead, it simply demonstrates the reasoning behind the explosion of soda. Turning this classic demonstration into a science experiment is as easy as one, two, three.
Basically you want to involve the children. What do they think? How do they think you should do the demonstration. What variables do they think they could manipulate to change the outcome of the experiment?
Materials:
You will need:
Soda (depending on how many variables you want to adjust, you might want several kinds)
Mentos
Optional:
Yardstick or measuring tape
Mentos dispenser (we wish we had this)
Conducting the Experiment
We made three variations to this simple and classic experiment. The boys wanted to test size of the bottle, type of soda, and number of Mentos. They also wanted to explore type of Mentos but they ran out of steam before we could get to it.
The important thing to remember is that you only want to test one variable at a time. You will also want to have the children determine HOW they will judge the various experiments.
How many Mentos Do You Need?
The first experiment the boys wanted to was to test the amount of Mentos we needed. We chose to use a smaller bottle for this experiment, while we figured out the best Mentos to Soda Ratio. Trying to fit 2 packs of Mentos into a bottle was near impossible.
What Size Soda Works Best with Mentos?
This one was really fun! As you can see the large bottle had the best results! We had a little mishap with getting the Mentos in at one time, which is why I think we would love the Mentos dispenser. The boys noticed that the smallest bottle didn’t have room for the Mentos and soda to react, resulting in a smaller reaction. Now we were ready for the big experiment!
What Kind of Soda is Best?
This was the mother of all mothers! I mean look at their faces! We tested several sodas including Soda Water!
We had so much fun doing this experiment and the kids ask to do it over and over again! What variable would you try changing?
Do you have a favorite Classic Science Experiment? I would love to know! Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribe by email. I can’t wait to hear your ideas.
TIME FOR STEM SATURDAY BLOG HOP!
Every Saturday we will get so many wonderful ideas linked up from around the web that we have decided we want to feature some of these great ideas. That’s why every Saturday, I will pick from the posts linked up and feature my absolute favorites. This might be a hard choice to make, luckily you can always head over to last week’s post and check out more great science resources!
This Week’s Feature:
Fizzing Science by The Practical Mom Blog
VISIT THESE GREAT BLOGGERS FOR MORE STEM FUN!
Candy Science from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tail
The Ultimate Guide to Paper Airplane Fun & Learning from The Science Kiddo
Bumblebee Math Grid Game from Stir the Wonder
Follow Dayna | Lemon Lime Adventures’s board Learning | Science on Pinterest.
Love this experiment! Pinning it for this summer!
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Thanks for featuring our Eno Explosion! Reminds me we need to do more science experiments at home! Shall try the mentos soda one soon 🙂
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