In this BLOG post I will teach you how to create Fizzy Fun experiences at home, my favorite fine motor tools and the benefits of sensory-based STEM play.
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XO Gina
Baking soda and vinegar experiments are a classic, engaging and hands-on activity for kids of all ages! You only need a few supplies to create Fizzy Fun experiences at home, in the classroom or in your therapy space. Kids have the opportunity to observe chemical reactions, watch as bursts of color bubble together and listen to the sounds of the ingredients mixing and fizzing together!
This type of play opens up opportunities to create, explore, problem solve and learn about the world around you. It is captivating, it is simple and it is magical every single time!
Materials:
Baking soda
White Vinegar
Food coloring (optional)
Muffin tin or ice cube tray
Sensory tray or baking dish
Pipette or medicine dropper
There are SO many Science concepts that can be taught while exploring this activity, but adding in tools to their play adds an extra layer of fine motor support. As kids squeeze and spray and squirt the vinegar into the baking soda, they are strengthening the tiny muscles in their fingers and hands. Those same muscles are responsible for important skills such as feeding yourself, zippering your coat and writing with a pencil!
The more we can work those muscles in the early years (LONG before they hold a pencil), the smoother the process will be when they are required to write.
Fine Motor Tools:
Tweezers
Tongs
Squirt bottle
Spray bottle
Pipette
Medicine dropper
Sensory Play Supports:
Language and vocabulary
Cognitive growth
Fine motor skills (small muscle movements)
Gross motor skills (big movements)
Problem-solving skills
Communication
Exploration of textures
One's ability to make connections
The concept of cause & effect
How to Set-Up Fizzy Play:
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda in the bottom of your tray or bowl.
In your small cups/bowls add 3-5 drops of food coloring, then fill halfway with water. Fill the other half with vinegar. Stir.
Fill your pipette with the vinegar/water mix & squirt it into the baking soda tray. Watch as it bubbles & fizzes & colors mix together.
Benefits of STEM Play:
Fizzy play is a fun & engaging way to teach children about chemical reactions.
Through fizzy play, children have the opportunity to strengthen fine motor skills, learn & review color names & practice color mixing.
Encourages critical thinking.
Improves concentration and focus.
Clean-Up:
Fizzy Fun is an easy one to clean up and a great way to get your kids involved in the process. Dump the leftover mixture down the sink and give it a quick wipe with soap and water!
Wear safety goggles when you are doing Science experiments at home. This will assure that your eyes are protected. You may also want to lay down newspaper, an old tablecloth or towel underneath your sensory bin/tray to keep spills at a minimum. You get to decided what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor children during use.