These fizzy stars make a super fun option when it comes to science activities for preschoolers, or any age for that matter! The bubbling stars science experiment is perfect for a preschool space theme or even just because.
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Related: Glowing Galaxy Water Bin Space Activity
Science has always been well-loved around here, both at home and in the classroom.
This simple and fun science experiment was no different. The kitchen was filled with “oooooh!” and “aaaaah!” aplenty as the kiddos explored fizzy stars.
Read below for tips on how you can set it up for your kids too!
Fizzy Stars
This star activity is incredibly simple, but the kids get a LOT out of it. If you truly want it to be a science experiment, be sure to weave in the scientific method.
This involves making observations, asking questions, coming up with a hypothesis, experimenting, recording the results, and sharing or discussing what’s been discovered.
While that sounds like a lot typed out like that, it really isn’t. You can definitely make it appropriate for young children, especially since their natural curiosity will only enhance the process.
Related: Starry Night Glitter Art for Kids
Star Experiment Materials
You likely have the bones of this fizzy stars activity in your kitchen or classroom right now.
If you don’t have some of our little additions, that’s okay! Just start with the basics and add on what you can. I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
We used gold and silver glitter, but you can choose whatever color you’d prefer. Or leave it out all together if you’re not a big fan of glitter.
Sequins or tiny star-shaped glitter would also be fun to add to the stars, in my opinion!
You’re also going to want a pan or bin to contain all the starry science fun.
Fizzy Stars Directions
Grab all of your materials and set up the star science. The children can definitely help with that!
Start off by placing the star cookie cutters in a dish or a bin. We added in a moon cookie cutter, too, since we were going for a starry night sky.
We used a small glass dish because there were just a few kids. You’ll want to use something larger with more kids.
Then spoon baking soda into the cookie cutters. Try to keep most of it inside the stars if possible.
Related: Coffee Filter Planets Space Craft
If you’re using glitter, add some to the baking soda, and then the fizzy stars are ready for your little scientists.
Place out a large bowl of vinegar, along with some kid-friendly eye droppers. You can also put the vinegar in squeeze bottles if that’s easier for your students.
The children can use the droppers or bottles to add vinegar to the baking soda stars. Mine had such fun watching the fizzing and bubbly reaction that ensued!
Related: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Printable Sequencing Cards
The bubbles ended up making the glitter look like it was shimmering and sparkling, just like stars in the night sky.
After a bit, we decided to add some beautiful gold liquid watercolor to the vinegar. The kids were interested to see if it would color the reaction and look more star-like.
Related: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Sensory Bottle
It didn’t end up working out like that, but we did discover something interesting. With the addition of the watercolors, the reaction was even foamier than before! This led to more oooohing and aaahing over the fizzy stars!
Would your children/students enjoy this fizzy stars experiment?
More Star Science Experiments
If your students enjoyed the fizzy stars, they’ll probably get a kick out of these star science activities:
- Melting Ice Stars from Science Sparks
- How to Make Crystal Stars from One Little Project
- Magic Toothpick Stars from The STEM Laboratory
Done-For-You Preschool Resources
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Originally published August 2015.
How much baking soda is needed?
Hi Annette! We didn’t measure the baking soda – we just added however much we felt like pouring into the cookie cutters. Maybe a tablespoon per cookie cutter. And we had extra on-hand to add to the mixtures once the original fizzing died down.
Appreciate the themed take on a classic activity. I was running out of star activities with my two year old.
I know it’s a little bit of an old post, but thought I’d throw out another option in lieu of vinegar – koolaid packets contain citric acid which will cause the same fizzy reaction and has the added bonus of being colorful and scented. Just mix the packet with about a tablespoon of water and use it instead. We love using those, so I always have a stash in the science and sensory bin!
YES, we love doing that with our fizzing activities, too! Jell-O and Kool-Aid powders add even more sensory input. And you’re spot-on about the citric acid in the Kool-Aid packets! Thanks for the suggestion, Chris! 🙂