Materials
- A clear glass or jar
- Carbonated drink (like sparkling water or clear soda)
- Raisins
Procedure
- Fill the glass with the carbonated drink.
- Add a few raisins to the liquid.
- Watch what happens: the raisins rise and fall like they're dancing!
Choose Your Learning Level
Elementary
The bubbles from the gas stick to the raisins and make them float. When the bubbles pop, the raisins sink again. It's like a dance in the glass!
Questions to Think About
- What do you see happening with the raisins?
- What are the bubbles doing?
- What happens if you use a different fizzy drink?
Middle
The carbon dioxide gas in the drink forms bubbles that attach to the rough surface of the raisins, lowering their density and making them float. At the top, the bubbles pop and the raisins sink again.
Questions to Think About
- Why do the raisins float at first?
- How does density affect the movement?
- What other fruits could you try?