Simple Science Experiments for Kids: Dancing Raisins

Have you ever seen a raisin dance? We have! Do you want to know how to make raisins dance? We would love to share it with you as a part of this ongoing series on simple science experiments for kids. Are you excited? Let’s go!

Things you need: 

• Raisins 
• Water
• Tall, clear glass 
• Colourless soda (unopened, if possible)
• Baking soda
• Vinegar

Raisin dance experiment 1:

• Step 1: Fill a tall glass with colourless soda. Do not fill the glass all the way to the top. 
• Step 2: Drop 3–4 raisins in the glass. 
• Step 3: Add more if the glass is wider and can accommodate more. 
• Step 4: Sit back and observe the raisins dance in the glass. 

Raisin dance experiment 2:

• Step 1: Fill half a glass with water. 
• Step 2: Add a spoonful of baking soda into the glass. 
• Step 3: Mix it with water. 
• Step 4: Drop a handful of raisins in the glass. 
• Step 5: Now add vinegar until the glass is 3/4th full. Do not fill the glass to the brim. 
• Step 6: Watch the raisins dance. 

Note: If the raisins don’t start dancing in a couple of minutes, add more vinegar or move the raisins a bit with the help of a stirrer. 

Thinking questions:

• Before the experiment, did you think the raisins would really dance?
• Do you think raisins would dance in plain water, oil or other liquids? 
• Do you think it is possible to make raisins dance faster? 
• Do you think we could make other things dance like raisins, like cashew nuts or almonds?

Disclaimer: These are meant for preschool children and hence we have avoided getting into the details of the experiment. The idea is to make it fun and make children think.

Also read, 

• Science Experiments for Kids: Apple Oxidation Experiment
• Answered: Why is It Important to Ask Questions?
• A Simplified History of Paper for Children