Looking for an exciting activity that blends science with sensory play? The erupting confetti clouds in a jar experiment is a magical hands-on project kids will love. Using just a few simple household ingredients, you can create a bubbly eruption that lifts confetti into floating, colorful clouds making science both fun and unforgettable!
This activity is perfect for rainy days, party entertainment, or classroom experiments that wow little learners.
Why This Activity Is So Fun and Educational
Combines STEM and Sensory Play
This activity uses a classic acid-base reaction (vinegar and baking soda) to create fizzy foam, teaching children the basics of chemistry. But it’s not just about science—it also engages touch, sight, and even sound as the bubbling mixture fizzes and pops.
The addition of confetti, colors, and soap makes it visually stimulating and helps kids connect learning with creativity.
Messy Magic with Easy Cleanup
Because this experiment happens in a jar, the mess is contained. Just set it on a tray or towel to catch any overflow, and cleanup is as simple as a quick rinse. Plus, it’s completely safe and uses materials you likely already have at home.
It’s science that sparkles literally!
Everything You’ll Need
Ingredients & Supplies
- 1 clear glass jar or cup
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon dish soap
- 1 tablespoon small confetti (paper or plastic)
- Food coloring (optional, but adds vibrant fun)
- 1 spoon for stirring (optional)
- 1 tray or towel to protect surfaces
Directions
- Set the scene
Place your jar on a tray or towel to catch any bubbly overflow. - Add the baking soda
Spoon the baking soda into the bottom of the jar. This is your eruption base. - Top with soap and confetti
Add ½ teaspoon of dish soap to help create thick bubbles. Sprinkle confetti right on top no need to stir. - Color it up
Add a few drops of food coloring for a vibrant visual explosion. Pick bright colors for the best effect! - Time to erupt!
Slowly pour in ½ cup of white vinegar. Watch as the fizzy foam rises and carries the confetti with it in magical “clouds.” - Watch and learn
The foam will bubble and swirl, lifting the confetti before gently settling down. Repeat the fun as many times as you like!
Pro Tips for Maximum Fun
Confetti & Color Combos
- Use different types of confetti (stars, circles, glitter shapes) for a layered look.
- Try alternating food colors add a layer of blue then pink for a cotton-candy cloud effect.
Reuse and Explore
After the eruption, rinse out the jar and do it again. Try adding a drop of essential oil to create a scented eruption, or use glow-in-the-dark confetti for nighttime fun.
Print
Erupting Confetti Clouds in a Jar – A Fizzy, Colorful Science Craft
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 erupting jar
Description
A fun and fizzy science craft for kids! Watch colorful foam lift confetti into the air as baking soda and vinegar react in a jar.
Ingredients
– 1 clear glass jar or cup
– ½ cup white vinegar
– 1 tablespoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon dish soap
– 1 tablespoon confetti (paper or plastic)
– Food coloring (optional)
– 1 tray or towel (for spills)
Instructions
– Place the jar on a tray to catch overflow.
– Add baking soda to the bottom of the jar.
– Add dish soap and sprinkle confetti on top (do not stir).
– Add a few drops of food coloring.
– Slowly pour in vinegar and watch the eruption.
– Rinse and repeat for more fun.
Notes
Use lightweight confetti for best lift. Experiment with different colors and confetti shapes for a new effect each time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Kids Activity
- Method: Chemical Reaction
- Cuisine: N/A
Keywords: confetti cloud jar, baking soda vinegar experiment, fun kids science, sensory play diet: Non-edible