Saturday Morning Science! Reaction Studies: Diet Coke and Mentos

10 am to noon

Reaction Studies: Diet Coke and Mentos

Taught by Mark Kent

If you've seen the videos of these experiments, you know what we're in for - some messy fun! With SCIENCE!

Suitable for ages 5 and up. You might get wet. You WILL have fun! You will also get your very own geyser tube to take home and repeat your experiment (ask your parents first, of course).

Introduction

Chemical volcanoes are classic projects for science fairs and chemistry demonstrations. The Mentos and diet soda volcano is similar to the baking soda volcano, except the eruption is really powerful, capable of producing jets of soda several feet high. This can be really messy, so it is probably best to perform the experiment outside, preferably on a grassy field. Chemical changes and physical changes are both important in the study of science. A chemical change, or chemical reaction occurs when one or more compounds/ elements react to form a new product, with a molecular structure different from the starting reactants. Physical changes only affect properties or appearance of materials, but do not affect the molecules of the material. When conducting an experiment, there are often variables with which a scientist needs to contend. Independent variables are those that can be manipulated by the scientist; dependent variables are observed as the independent variable is manipulated.

Purpose

This experiment is designed to study the interactions of sodas with Mentos, and to observe the differences in reactions as one changes some of the variables in the reaction.

Price per child attending

$20 for members of BioCurious*

$30 for non-members

*If you are a member please let us know and we will sign you up and send you directions how to pay