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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Explosive Science Experiments for Kids

Explosive Science Experiments for Kids

Modified: Jun 10, 2024 · Published: Mar 20, 2023 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Is there anything more fun than an explosive science experiment? This collection of explosive, fizzy and sometimes messy science activities is sure to appeal to even the most reluctant little scientists, and the kids who love science already will REALLY enjoy erupting volcanoes, launching rockets and generally just doing awesome science at home.

Exploding science experiments

Erupting soda geyser

The most well known explosive experiment is probably the infamous coke and mentos eruption! This science experiment is a must-try for everyone and always leads to shrieks of joy as the geyser of coke shoots into the air.

My top tip is to add the mentos as quickly as possible. If you’re struggling to get it to work well, try the extreme geyser tube from Steve Spangler.

Coke and mento geyser

Exploding watermelon

123 Homeschool 4 Me has a fantastic exploding watermelon, which looks impressive, but do take care, as it will explode with a bang!

Film canister rocket

Film canister rockets are always fun, but they fly quickly, so stand back immediately. Before starting, it’s a good idea to use chalk to mark out a safe observation area on the ground and ask an adult to add the ingredients to the canister and place it on the ground.

Experiment with different combinations of vinegar and baking soda to make this an investigation.

Film Canister rocket - explosive science for kids

Elephant Toothpaste

Another fun, explosive science experiment to try with kids is making elephant toothpaste. It’s a big reaction that looks amazing! We wouldn’t recommend going for the elephant toothpaste world record, though.

Children and a teacher watching an elephants toothpaste experiment in a classroom.

To kick the fun up a notch, instead of a single colour elephant toothpaste, try a rainbow toothpaste explosion! Talk about an amazing visual effect!

Water bottle popper

If you are short on materials, you can set up an explosive science experiment with a single water bottle to make the bottle cap pop out from the bottle.

Exploding lolly sticks

A popsicle stick chain reaction is one of the best exploding science experiments. All you need are craft sticks or popsicle sticks, and the explosion is incredible, although setting it up does take a bit of patience.

craft stick chain reaction with coloured pom poms on top
Popsicle stick chain reaction

Baking soda potions

Erupting potions in a test tube or beaker made with baking soda and vinegar is always fun! We like to make witchy potions for Halloween, love potions for Valentine’s Day and fairy potions for any time of year.

colour changing potions
baking soda and vinegar potions

Splatter patterns

Experiment with water balloons or balloons filled with paint and create different patterns. Watching the splatter patterns change depending on where you drop them from is great fun and a fab science investigation for kids.

Splatter patterns

Erupting soap

Erupting soap is yet another classic and well known explosive science experiment to add to the list! This is also one of those rare experiments with a single ingredient – ivory soap!

Similar to erupting soap, exploding peep geysers also need a microwave. We love a little twist with ghost peeps, and it would make this experiment perfect for trying around Halloween. If you don’t have peeps where you are, an ordinary marshmallow will work just as well.

Erupting baking soda volcano

A simple tweak can turn an ordinary erupting volcano experiment into a fun multicoloured volcano! Let kids make their own volcano from scratch to extend the activity further.

multicoloured volcano

Another spin on a classic volcano science experiment is an ice volcano. These are perfect for bringing outside on a hot summer day!

Let us know if you have any ideas for more explosive experiments, we can try!

Don’t forget I have 100s more fun, exciting and FREE science experiments for kids to try too, so if you don’t fancy any of these, do take a look around, and hopefully, one of my other experiments will be what you’re looking for.

Awesome explosive science experiments for kids. Splatter patterns, volcanoes, film canisters and exploding sandwich bags

Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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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.

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