How to Make a Raisin Dance ~ Science Fun

This super easy science experiment is fun, a great way to increase vocabulary, and keep you kids engaged in the learning process. Science experiments are one of the easiest ways I have found to incorporate fun learning into our homeschool & a fast way to entertain your children while on their vacation/breaks. We usually do very simple experiments, since the supplies are usually right in the kitchen already, and it's a fast way to learn and enjoy science. In my opinion, Learning should be FUN, and experiments are a wonderful way to have FUN with your students/kiddos. =)

What you will need to get those Raisins moving:   

• Raisins~ enough for each child to have a few of various sizes
• Sprite, 7UP, or another clear soda
• a clear glass or cup for each child {to easily view the dancing raisins}
• paper towels ~ just in case

 Words to discuss/ introduce - hypothesis, buoyancy, texture, sink, float, density, carbonation, fizz, carbon dioxide, detach


**Before beginning this experiment.... discuss whether they believe the raisin will sink or float. Have them write down (if age appropriate) their hypothesis. Most will assume the denser raisin will sink in the soda. If they are old enough, have them write down any observations. (This makes a science experiment, a great writing exercise too.)

How to Make the Raisins Dance



1. Pour soda of choice into the clear glass or cup

2. Add your raisin(s) to the cup.

3. Give it a few seconds and watch them dance.

~Note ... Start with smaller raisins at first. My daughter chose the plumpest raisin I had ever seen, and it would only flip back and forth... not float or rise off the bottom. For her next few raisins she chose ones smaller in size, and they preformed as planned. =)


***How/Why this experiment works...... Since the Raisins have more density than the soda, they will initially sink to the bottom. The carbonation (carbon dioxide) bubbles in the soda will attach to the uneven texture of the raisin. This extra buoyancy given to the raisin from the carbon dioxide bubbles will cause it to rise up through the soda and "dance". 

As the carbon dioxide bubbles detach from the raisin it will start to sink again. Then the process repeats. Eventually the carbon dioxide bubbles escaping will turn the soda flat, and the raisins will stop dancing. Enjoy those Dancing Raisins while you can!!!

Have Fun Learning with Your Kiddos, and I would love to hear how this experiment turns out for you! ~ Amanda  =)