Kids will love taking part in this easy science experiment. Along with being a fun project for dinosaur enthusiasts, it offers a valuable learning opportunity. Using a pipette or dropper also helps children develop their fine motor coordination.
For a simpler version, skip the food coloring and make classic white dinosaur eggs instead.
The Science
What happens when baking soda and vinegar are mixed?
The fizz and foam are easy to see, but what causes the reaction? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a base, while vinegar, or acetic acid, is an acid. Their bubbling reaction is the result of an acid-base interaction. The mixture initially creates carbonic acid, which quickly breaks down into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. As the carbon dioxide moves through the water and escapes, it creates the familiar bubbles and fizz.
Supplies Needed
- Baking Soda – for activities, we recommend this large 5 lb bag
- Food Coloring l (one for every color of the rainbow) – we recommend this liquid food coloring since it is concentrated and creates vivid colors
- Dropper
- Water
- Vinegar
- Small Dinosaur Toys
Watch the Video Tutorial Here
How to Make Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs
1. Mix 1-2 drops of food coloring with 2 tablespoons of water (or omit the coloring to make white eggs).
2. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a bowl. Pour in the colored water and stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Note – to make a larger amount of one color, use 1 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of water.
Continue mixing until the texture becomes crumbly but still holds together when shaped. Repeat the process for each color you plan to use. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little extra baking soda.
3. Take some of the baking soda mixture and place a small dinosaur toy in the middle.
Add more of the mixture around the toy, then gently mold it into an egg shape.
If the mixture is too damp to form properly, blend in a little more baking soda.
4. Optional – chill the eggs in the freezer for 15 minutes. This allows them to firm up, but you may also add the vinegar right away!
5. Fill a dropper with vinegar and watch as the dinosaur egg “fizzes” away, uncovering the dinosaur inside.
Hatching these dinosaur eggs is so much fun for children! We matched the dinosaur colors to the eggs, though plain white eggs would be great for concealing dinosaurs in surprising shades.
More Science Experiments
Try this easy Grow a Rainbow Experiment for more colorful science fun. You only need washable markers and a paper towel!
Looking for another fun project? Make some oobleck!
You can also explore the rainbow rain cloud in the jar experiment!
