Skip to Content

How to make an exploding rainbow

Today we have a great STEM activity for your kids, how to make an exploding rainbow. I know the thought of something exploding may make you worry a bit (the clean up is not that bad, we promise) but this activity is going to be so much fun for the kids, and even for you! If you want a new STEM activity to keep the kids engaged and learning then this is one to try.

How to make an exploding rainbow

How to make an exploding rainbow

The instructions for this fun activity are simple. We have a fab printable for you that gives you all the instructions, but to give you an idea here is what you’ll need.

Materials:

  • 7 clear containers,
  • Food colouring,
  • Baking soda,
  • White vinegar,
  • Spoon and,
  • Jug

Instructions

  • Prepare your clear containers – ideally do this outside on a good day or make sure to use a protective sheet as it’s a bit messy!
  • Add baking soda to each container using a spoon. A small spoonful should do it but this does depend on the size of your container. This experiment works just as well with a small container.
  • Add two drops of food colouring to each container – red food colouring to your first container, orange to the second, yellow to the third, green to the fourth, blue to the fifth, indigo to the sixth and violet to the seventh or the closest colours you have.
  • Pour your vinegar into the container.
  • The reaction will happen quickly so be sure to watch carefully and enjoy your exploding rainbows!

The baking soda and vinegar form a chemical reaction. This chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide gas which causes our rainbows to explode! The carbon dioxide gas escapes causing it to overflow the container.

As you can see, this is a fun and educational activity that is sure to delight kids of all ages. Have a look at the free printable and skip down to the circular image to download your printable.

Exploding rainbow craft idea

<< Download the instruction worksheet by clicking on the circular image below >>

Make an exploding rainbow

Do sign up for our “time to pee” newsletter and gain a few more minutes for yourself each day. Our newsletter gives you a daily activity to keep the kids busy, sign up today.

Grab our printable days of the week calendar on our premium site for £3.95

Join our premium site, and most of our products in the shop are completely free!

Are you looking for more STEM activites to do with the kids? We have loads, so do check these out.

Fun STEM Activities

If you're looking to create something fun with your kids then these STEM activities are for you! We hope you enjoy them.

There are even more activities from around the web, do have a look.

More STEM ideas from the web

Combine learning and fun with these STEM ideas from around the web.

Cheers for visiting,

Helen

Pin It For Later!

Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine! Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time. KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10. It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania. Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on. Get in touch TODAY!

Sharing is caring!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.