Dancing Worms Activity

Take a look at this fun Science experiment and activity that kids will really enjoy. This Dancing Worms Activity will integrate both Science and hands-on activities!

You have all of these ingredients in your kitchen right now, well maybe not the worms, but a trip to the store will fix that. This is a super fun science activity that will have everyone loving this experiment and wanting to do it over and over again.

Now is the perfect time to gather up these simple supplies and create this fun STEM activity with the kids. 

If you like this experiment, your kids should try these Summer STEM Activities, too.

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.

Dancing Worms Activity

With this experiment candy and science collide in a fun and simple way. This experiment has been around for a while but always gets a great reaction from the kids when I pull out the supplies.

Kids really love to do hands-on science experiments that have a visible chemical reaction, this one is for the younger kids but even your older children will enjoy this one and it is safe for the kids to do it on their own with supervision.

>> Get more simple homeschool science experiments!

Recommended Science Books for Kids

If you had fun with this science activity, try one of these other science books to get a giant list of ideas to keep the curiosity flowing. These books are great for diving into even more science activities for kids. Page after page of fun ideas that the kids will love to do. 

The Curious Kid’s Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8Outdoor Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family-Friendly Experiments for the Yard, Garden, Playground, and ParkThe Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for KidsReal Chemistry Experiments: 40 Exciting STEAM Activities for Kids (Real Science Experiments for Kids)This Is Rocket Science: An Activity Guide: 70 Fun and Easy Experiments for Kids to Learn More About Our Solar SystemKitchen Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Experiments from Around the House (Lab for Kids (4))

 

Dancing Worms Activity Supplies

This is the list of supplies that you’ll need to do this fun dancing worms activity. 

• Gummy worms
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 cup vinegar
• 3 tbsp baking soda
• A spoon
• clear tall glass
• Scissors or a knife

Heinz White Vinegar Distilled 1.32 gallons (169 oz)Arm & Hammer 3320001140EA Baking Soda, 2lb BoxCandy Shop Gummy Candy, Worms, 1 lb Bag

 

Dancing Worms Directions

1. To begin with cut your worms in half to make smaller, lighter worms. I believe this also helps them absorb the vinegar better as well.
2. Fill a jar or glass with warm tap water, stir in baking soda well then stir in your worms.
3. Place vinegar in another glass and set aside.
4. Now go find something else fun to do for 15 minutes while you wait for the next step, you can let the kids experiment (play) with a pile of baking soda and a dropper with vinegar.
5. After 15 minutes are up have your child drop 2-3 worms in the glass of vinegar. At first bubbles begin to form then slowly the worms begin to wiggle slightly and rise up in the cup.

Recommended Science Kits for Kids

I’m sure your kid’s interest in making science experiments is heightened at this stage. If that’s the case, grabbing one of these science experiment kits is a must. It’s a great experience for your little scientist.

Be Amazing! Toys Big Bag of Science Works – Kids Science Experiment Kit with 65+ Amazing ExperimentsButterfly EduFields Electric Motor kit – 20+ Science Experiments Electronics kit for KidsUNGLINGA Science Kit for Kids 30 Lab Chemicals Experiments Toys GiftsNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Stunning Chemistry Set – Mega Science Kit with Over 15 Easy ExperimentsCrystal Growing Kit, STEM Projects for Kids Ages 8-12, Exciting Science Kits for KidsKids Science Kit with Lab Coat Gift Set – Over 20 Experiments for Kids 4-6

 

So how do the dancing worms work?

The acetic acid in the vinegar reacts with the bicarbonate soda. The reaction causes bubbles to form and lift the gummy worm.

The bubbles burst and the worm falls but will rise again as more bubbles form until all the baking soda has been used up.

After a while, you will need to swap your vinegar out for a fresh glass of vinegar.

Try other gummy candy to see how the size, weight, and shape affect the outcome.

Also see what other materials this will work with. Try other candies, popcorn,  or rice.

It’s always a ton of fun to see things move on their own. Allow your kids to decide to change.

What happens if they change the amount of vinegar or baking soda?

Have fun exploring!

Thanks for visiting our Dancing Worms Activity post!

More science experiments

Exciting Exploding Tea Party

Fizzy Treasure Rocks

Hovercraft Science Activity

Cool Magic Milk Science Experiment

Burning Ice Science Experiment by STEAMsational