Exploding bag experiment

Explore the wonder of gases with this cool exploding sandwich bag science experiment. Watch the video to show you how to do it.

What you need:

• 1/2 cup vinegar
• Sandwich size ziplock bag
• Bicarb soda
• A tissue

Number of players:
2+

Activity:

Watch the below video to see how to do the exploding sandwich bag experiment.

This experiment can get messy so it is best performed outside or over a sink.

Pour the vinegar into the plastic bag and zip it closed.

Place four generous teaspoons of baking soda into the centre of an unfolded tissue.

Raise the corners of the tissue to enclose the baking soda in a little sack.

Unzip the ziplock bag enough to fit the baking soda packet and quickly close the bag again.

Shake it up until it fizzes.

When it starts to fizz, put it down on the table and wait for it to 'pop.'

The baking powder will start to fizz, causing the bag to expand and eventually explode.

Notes

• What caused the bag to pop? An acid-based reaction took place between the baking soda and the vinegar which created a gas called carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide needs a lot of room to expand and as it continues expanding the bag is forced to pop. How cool is that?
• Thanks to our sister company Kidspot Australia for creating this instructional video.