What could make summer even more fun? A free 8 week science camp that you can do with your kids at home!
I’m so excited to be teaming up with Erica from What Do We Do All Day? for a summer science series. Each week we will be sharing a classic science experiment that you and your kids will love.
I am kicking off the series with the classic Diet Coke and Mentos science experiment!
Diet Coke and Mentos Experiment
- 2 liter bottle of diet coke
- roll of Mentos candies
- a big space that can get messy!
The experiment is simple, you add all of the Mentos to the soda and once and then get out of the way!
My husband volunteered to be our candy adder since the geyser-like reaction is better the quicker you can get them all in.
The reaction happens right away! He got a little wet and sticky so you may want to wear safety goggles and clothes that can get messy.
The geyser doesn’t last long but it’s super cool!
Can you believe how high it goes? For comparison our fence is 6 feet high.
The Diet Coke and Mentos geyser is a classic for a reason–it’s such a cool science experiment!!!!
My oldest took a little video if you want to see how quickly it happens!
How does the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment work?
The carbonation in the soda reacts with the Mentos candy and little carbon dioxide bubbles form all over the candies. This happens very quickly and when it’s fast enough then an explosion occurs.
Mentos are the candy of choice because their surface is very porous and ideal for creating lots and lots of carbon dioxide bubbles. Any soda will work but the aspartame in diet sodas produce a bigger reaction because it lowers the surface tension of the soda.
This Summer Science Camp series is going to rock! Join us every Thursday (I promise to be on time next week!) for classic science experiments that your kids will love!
Pop over and see Erica’s classic Lift an Ice Cube With Salt and a String experiment! It’s a fun one and you’ll to see how their initial failures taught her kids to think like scientists.
For even more science fun this summer check out my Science is Everywhere Pinterest board!
Follow Megan Sheakoski ::Coffee Cups and Crayons’s board Science is Everywhere! on Pinterest.
Almost Unschoolers says
June 27, 2014 at 12:09 pmGreat shots! We got to do this at the library this summer with the Steve Spangler tubes. We’ve done without them before – but the tubes are really nice.
Megan Sheakoski says
June 27, 2014 at 3:35 pmI need to go google these tubes!
Megan Sheakoski says
June 27, 2014 at 3:36 pmThey are so cool!!!!
Erica @ What Do We Do All Day? says
June 28, 2014 at 11:25 amOh my, this is so awesome! I totally want to do this in the park.
Jennifer Gylling says
June 30, 2014 at 2:03 pmLove it :oD Thanks for sharing