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    Home » Primary Science » Key Stage 1 Science » Scientific Enquiry » Baking Soda Powered Boat

    Baking Soda Powered Boat

    September 25, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 11 Comments

    Today I have another great baking soda and vinegar activity for you. We are going to make a baking soda powered boat.

    Materials

    • Empty water bottle – small
    • Baking Soda
    • Kitchen roll or tissue
    • Scissors
    • Straw
    • Vinegar
    • Tape
    • Bath or large container
    • Water

    Baking soda boat

    Method

    • Pierce a hole in the non lid end of the water bottle and poke the straw through, I trimmed mine so only used about one third of the length. Tape around the gap to prevent air escaping and keep the straw in place.
    • Carefully pour some vinegar into the bottle and replace the lid.
    • Pour some baking soda onto a small piece of kitchen roll and roll it up.
    • Stand over your water, stuff the tissue wrapped baking soda into the bottle and quickly add the lid.
    • Place in the water and watch it go.

    Can you see the bubbles coming out of the end?

    Baking Soda boat

    The Science bit

    Vinegar (an acid ) and bicarbonate of soda ( an alkali ) react together to neutralise each other. This reaction releases carbon dioxide a gas which is the bubbles you see.

    The force of the movement of the carbon dioxide backwards causes a reaction force which pushes the boat forwards.

    Can you think of any other forces which might affect the movement of the boat? How about wind? Or movement of the water if it was disturbed as the boat was placed onto it.

    For lots more Baking Soda science ideas, check out our round up and Challenge.

    Related posts

    Monster Tea Party

    Baking Soda powered boat

    Baking Soda Volcano

    Baking Soda Popper

    Fizzing rocks with baking soda

    We’d love you  join our Science Sparks community on G+ and  follow us on  Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

    Last Updated on April 5, 2016 by Emma Vanstone

    « Baking Soda Popper
    Fun with mixing with some help from Learning Resources »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalie F

      September 25, 2013 at 1:35 pm

      How fun! I am certainly pinning this idea!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        September 29, 2013 at 6:54 pm

        Thank you. xx

        Reply
      • Ashlyn Thomas

        October 26, 2019 at 4:59 pm

        I am doing this experiment in 6th grade

        Reply
    2. MsXpat

      September 25, 2013 at 3:21 pm

      This looks like fun! I’ll give it a go and tell you how we got on :0)

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        September 29, 2013 at 6:53 pm

        ooooh please do. x

        Reply
        • None-ya-business

          September 13, 2019 at 6:51 pm

          This experiment is fun!

          Reply
        • Butt

          November 01, 2019 at 2:50 am

          Thank You for the idea \. I am totally going to do it.

          Reply
    3. Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories

      September 25, 2013 at 6:32 pm

      Awesome! Glad it worked out like you planned. 🙂

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        September 29, 2013 at 6:53 pm

        Thanks Trisha. xx

        Reply
    4. #melmar

      March 23, 2014 at 2:07 am

      Hi, Found your idea on pinerest! We are going to feature it on our blog in a round up of vinegar and baking soda science! – pop over and see it later this week! My boys will love this during the summer months!
      http://imhereshesthere.wordpress.com/

      Reply
    5. Deb

      June 02, 2015 at 2:49 am

      What do you mean by “kitchen roll?”

      Reply

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