Fizzy Baking Soda Christmas Tree Experiment
Are your kids excited for Christmas? Are you? Around here, we can’t stop decorating. It’s that time of year again, so it’s a perfect time to take advantage of the kids’ interest in the holidays and sneak in a little extra learning, too. So we’re giving you this fizzy baking soda Christmas Tree experiment.
Want even more Christmas ideas? See this list of fun Christmas science activities.
Just a little something to help you celebrate the holidays.
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The Science Behind Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment
Learning during the holidays can be the best kind of learning. You get to do all kinds of fun-themed activities, and the educational value is extra high, too.
There’s so much to do around the holidays, so make every moment count. Activities like this fizzy Christmas science help make memories, too.
This experiment uses the classic chemical reaction between vinegar, aka acetic acid, and baking soda. The acid and the base (baking soda) react in a low-energy reaction that releases carbon dioxide gas and water (and sodium acetate).
The gas travels through the water, creating the bubbly mess we all know and love.
Unique to this experiment are the beads and the cookie cutter. This is what will give you the Christmas Tree “look.” When you use an eye dropper to control the reaction and start at the “top” of the tree, you’ll end up with bubbles surrounding beads that look like a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments.
It’s a very cool effect and one your kids are sure to love.
Recommended Christmas Books
Set the mood with some of our favorite Christmas stories. Grab one of these fun Christmas Tree storybooks before you try the Christmas Tree science experiment.
What will you enjoy most? An “I Spy” or something classic? Or will you read a newer story? We’d love to know your favorites.
I Spy A Christmas Tree: A Book of Picture RiddlesMr. Willowby’s Christmas TreeThe Christmas Tree Who Loved TrainsThe Christmas Miracle of Jonathan ToomeyChristmas FarmMr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
Why is it important for kids to learn about chemical reactions?
Is it important for students to understand chemical reactions? Yes, of course. Grasping these concepts is like unlocking the secrets of the world around us. It will help your child appreciate how matter interacts and transforms, whether through a simple combustion reaction or the complex processes inside our bodies.
Learning about chemical reactions provides practical skills for everyday activities—from cooking and cleaning to addressing environmental challenges and healthcare—and sparks curiosity and encourages critical thinking as they explore the captivating world of atoms and molecules. So, dive into the wonderful universe of chemical reactions!
Recommended Christmas Printables
Combine this science experiment with festive Christmas printables for added fun. These two printable packs are fantastic.
Christmas Tree Experiment Supplies
Ready to start? Let’s gather the supplies first.
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of vinegar
- metal Christmas tree cookie cutter
- green food coloring
- colorful round beads
- eye dropper
- spoon
- tray and plastic mat or liner (for easy clean up!)
How can I make this fizzy Christmas tree activity?
My daughter and I decided to try a baking soda project together. This activity is quite simple. We began by placing a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter in the center of our lined tray. It’s important to contain the mess because all fizzy science experiments can get MESSY. But remember, the mess is half the fun.
Packing the baking soda into the cutter was a challenge, but we managed not to spill too much. Decorating it with beads was the highlight; her eyes lit up as she arranged them, turning this project into a pretty cool craft.
More Christmas Activities
Try these Christmas activities to keep your little one learning while having fun.
- Christmas STEM Activities
- Christmas Science Experiments
- Gingerbread Man Arts and Crafts
- Christmas Slime Recipe
- Christmas Rock Painting for Kids
- Christmas Tree Turkey Disguise by Simple Everyday Mom
- Christmas Roll and Read by Darcy and Brian
Try this with other cookie-cutter shapes. What about a Snowman with black and orange beads for the face and buttons? Or a “Gingerbread” snowman with colored beads for his face? Are there other combinations you can come up with?
Make your Christmas holidays special this year. Grab a few fun holiday activities or one of these Fun Fizzy Science Experiments to make memories today.
Fizzy Baking Soda Christmas Tree Experiment
If your child loves fizzy experiments, this activity is the perfect one to try this Christmas!
Materials
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of vinegar
- metal Christmas tree cookie cutter
- green food coloring
- colorful round beads
- eye dropper
- spoon
- tray and plastic mat or liner (for easy clean up!)
Instructions
1. Set your cookie cutter in the middle of a lined tray or cookie sheet.
2. Fill the cookie cutter with baking soda, making sure not to overfill.
3. Decorate it with beads.
4. Combine green food coloring with vinegar in a cup.
5. Use an eye dropper to drizzle the green vinegar over the tree.
6. It will start fizzing right away; continue until all the vinegar is gone.
7. Snap a picture of your completed project!
Recommended Products
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It’s a lot of fun! Don’t forget to take a picture and share your results in the comments. That will also inspire others.