DIY: Monster Bursting Bag Activity

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Monster Bursting Bag Activity

Stem Activities

Ages: 6-8

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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This is a colourful science experiment full of explosions and surprises. With simple preparations, you can enjoy this chemical feast! Let's create an exciting burst of fun!

Materials Needed

White vinegar
Bicarbonate of soda
Food colouring
Washing-up liquid
Tray
Zip-lock bag
Paper towels
Spoon
Marker pen

An assortment of materials is laid out on a marbled surface, suggesting preparation for a science experiment or craft project. These include a glass of water, a small beaker containing a white powder, three small bottles of primary color dyes (blue, red, and yellow), a beige squeeze tube, a light green plate with a small, clear zippered plastic bag containing a white powder, a few folded white paper towels or tissues, a small black measuring spoon, and a black marker.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Using the marker pen, draw a monster face on the zip-lock bag.

Two hands are engaged in creating a monster drawing on a clear plastic zippered bag. One hand holds the bag while the other draws triangular teeth inside a wide, open mouth with a black marker. Three eyes, each circled in black with a smaller black dot in the center, are already drawn above the mouth. Other similar bags with different monster faces are partially visible in the background, suggesting a craft activity involving multiple monster creations.

Step 2

Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the zip-lock bag.

Two hands are depicted in the process of a science experiment or craft activity. One hand holds open a clear plastic zipper bag with a simple monster face drawn on it, while the other hand pours water from a clear glass into the bag. The bag is positioned over a light green plate or shallow bowl. The monster face consists of one eye and a toothy grin. This image likely illustrates a step in creating a sensory toy or a simple science demonstration.

Step 3

Add 6-8 drops of your favourite food colouring.

Two hands are shown adding red coloring to a clear plastic bag containing a clear liquid. The bag, which has a monster face drawn on it, rests on a light green plate. The monster face now has red coloring inside the outlines of its eyes, creating a more defined and vibrant image. A small bottle with a nozzle, presumably containing the red dye or paint, is held by one hand, squeezing drops of color into the bag. This continues the process of creating a sensory bag or a science experiment demonstrated in the previous images. A bottle of blue liquid is visible in the background, likely to be added next.

Step 4

Add 5-8 drops of washing-up liquid.

Two hands are interacting with a clear plastic zipper bag containing a pinkish-orange liquid. The bag, which has a monster face drawn on it, rests on a light green plate. One hand holds the bag open while the other squeezes a light-colored, opaque, squeezable bottle, adding more liquid to the bag. The monster's eyes are now filled with the pinkish-orange color. This image suggests a continuation of the process shown in previous images, likely the creation of a sensory bag or a similar craft/science project. A blue liquid is visible in a container in the background, hinting at the next step.

Step 5

Seal the bag and gently shake to mix the contents evenly.

A hand holds a sealed, clear plastic zipper bag filled with a bubbly, orange liquid. A simple monster face is drawn on the bag, and the orange liquid and bubbles make the drawing more dynamic. The bag is held above a light green plate, which is partially visible. In the background, a clear container with blue liquid can be seen, likely leftover from a previous step in this craft or science activity. The image suggests the creation of a homemade stress ball, sensory toy, or a simple science experiment involving chemical reactions.

Step 6

Pour one spoonful of bicarbonate of soda onto a paper towel.

A hand holds a black measuring spoon filled with a white powder, likely baking soda or a similar substance, over a white paper towel. Some of the powder has already spilled onto the towel. The background is a marbled white surface. The image suggests a preparation step in a recipe, experiment, or cleaning activity.

Step 7

Fold the paper towel as shown, being careful not to spill any bicarbonate of soda.

Two hands are folding or wrapping a white paper towel or tissue. The background is a marbled white surface. This likely illustrates a step in a process where a measured amount of powder, as seen in the previous image, is being bundled up.

Step 8

Place the wrapped bicarbonate of soda into the bag and quickly seal it.

Two hands are adding a folded white paper towel or tissue into a clear plastic zipper bag. The bag, which sits on a light green plate, contains a bubbly orange liquid and is decorated with a monster face. One hand holds the bag open while the other inserts the paper towel. This image seems to be part of a sequence demonstrating the creation of a sensory toy or a science experiment, where the wrapped powder from the previous images is now being combined with the liquid.

Step 9

Watch what happens inside the bag and wait patiently for the mixture to react. Keep your distance from the bag to avoid any splashes.

A sealed clear plastic zipper bag rests on a light green plate. The bag contains a pink, bubbly liquid and has a cartoon monster face drawn on it. The monster's eyes and jagged mouth are clearly visible against the pink background. The image suggests a completed DIY sensory toy or the result of a science experiment involving a chemical reaction.

The Science Behind It:

When bicarbonate of soda and vinegar mix, they create a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas (the bubbles you see). The washing-up liquid helps create even more foam. Since the bag is sealed, the gas builds up, eventually causing the bag to expand and burst. This is a classic acid-base neutralisation reaction. What other fun experiments could you try with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar?

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