Science Experiments for Kids: Rainbow Lemon Eruptions Tray

After a roaring success of our earlier lemon suds science experiments, we tweaked the experience a little and created a newer science experiment. Here we have a fun, hands -on way to explore components that “fizz” together! For school-age kids new terms- acids and bases can be introduced.
This salt crystal tray we made is filled with oodles of fun. The colors from this science experiment were so vibrant and experiment was so much fun that we did this 3 times in quick successions. {More science experiments for kids here}

We used a variety of squirting tools. We started off with citric acid and water solution with a few drops of liquid water colors. I put the solution in squirt bottles for added fun and that the squirt bottles eruptions were more dramatic due to the sheer volume of the acid dispensed.

We also tried dropping the same colored citric acid solution using medicine droppers for a much calmer and more arty effect on the salt tray.

Eye Dropper Tray

Squirt Bottle Tray

We also tried straight up lemon juice from the bottle. This was by far the best! Look how awesome that fizzy bubble is.

 My 5 year on cue began to “paint” the white lemon bubbles with more colors using medicine droppers. It fizzed even more since we used more colored citric acid solution to color. It was beyond BRILLIANT and FUN!

Coloring the lemon bubbles was the best part. Squirt lemon juice, form a giant fizz and create more fizz while coloring the bubble with colored citric acid solution. I can see so much learning potential for older or school-age kids with this science experiment.

The tray held plenty of base  that the lemon juice just wouldn’t quit fizzing! It created colorful puddles

 It fizzed

It created “giant” explosions

 This science experiment was out and out a HUGE SUCCESS!

Just like any preschool project everything turns into a big muddy brown mess. In this science experiment the kids found a way to extend the fun. They collected all the brown goopy substance in a container. My 5 year old declared that she had made soda. It did look like soda though! and they continued fizzing it with more lemon juice.

Materials used ( affiliate links)

• Citric Acid
• Epsom Salt
• Baking Soda
• Lemon Juice
• Plastic Squeeze Bottles
• Plastic Transfer Pipettes
• Liquid Watercolors
• Baking Tray or any flat tray

Process:

Line a baking tray with Epsom Salt – roughly 1 cup

Layer about 2 cups of baking soda on top of the salt

Layer another 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt and gently mix

You should have a shiny looking white salt tray  which in itself is an amazing sensory play base. This could be a great writing tray like our peppermint writing tray or our ghost writing tray

Dissolve 1 TBSP of citric acid in water in a medium sized squeeze bottles{ first image}. Add few drops of liquid water colors for vibrant colors. {I have linked to our favorite brand above}

Have eye droppers and lemon juice bottles near by.

Alternatively you can empty lemon juice in squirt bottles and color them with water colors as well.

Time to experiment – squirt colored citric acid solutions using the bottles, drop lemon juice on the tray using eye droppers, watch them fizz and then color them. You can also try spray bottles.

Thanks for reading

Try this mini volcano eruptions with your younger ones for another twist

Stick around and take a look at all the books we have co authored. Many different kids activities idea all neatly packaged in one spot with a handy supply list.