Maker Monday: Kids will love (and learn from) the Exploding Sandwich Bag experiment

Maker Monday “pops” with simple chemistry in this Exploding Sandwich Bag experiment.

Baking soda and vinegar create carbon dioxide in a basic chemical reaction. When the main ingredients bubble together in a sealed sandwich bag, the gas expands to the point that the bag explodes open with a loud pop.

Keep extra supplies handy, as this outdoor experiment is likely to be repeated again and again to the excited laughter of kids.

As with all Maker Monday projects, kids can make this with items you may have around the house or can pick up at a dollar store. Just follow the step-by-step instructions below. A note to kid makers: Please work with a parent or caregiver on this Maker Monday project. And always be careful when using tools of any kind, including scissors.

Maker Monday materials:

• a sealable sandwich bag
• a paper towel cut into a 5-inch to 6 -inch square
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup warm water

Maker Monday instructions:

Step One: Measure out the baking soda and pour it onto the center of the paper towel square.

Step Two: Twist the paper towel into a sachet-like bundle with the baking soda wrapped within.

Step Three: Pour the warm water and vinegar together into the sandwich bag.

Step Four: For this part, you need to move quickly! Add the twist of paper towel with the baking soda inside it to the bag, quickly seal the bag and set it down in a cleared space. Watch as bubbles begin to foam and the bag balloons up.

Step Five: Pop! The bag will explode open when the carbon dioxide gas builds up pressure and tries to escape.

Want more at-home fun creating cool stuff and making beautiful things? Check out more Maker Monday projects right here. Do you have an idea for a Maker Monday craft project? If so, please share it with Kidsburgh! Send your maker activity ideas to info@kidsburgh.org.