I want to show my kids some real chemical reactions but using safe, common items. What chemistry experiments using common items like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, baking soda, or dish soap create visible reactions? Looking for everyday materials science experiments that are dramatic enough to keep kids engaged.
Hydrogen peroxide and yeast makes an impressive elephant toothpaste reaction. The yeast catalyzes decomposition of H2O2 into water and oxygen gas, creating a foamy eruption. Add food coloring and dish soap for colorful foam. Always use 3% hydrogen peroxide (the brown bottle kind) for safety.
Vinegar and baking soda is the classic, but try adding dish soap to make the foam last longer. Or do it in a plastic bag to measure gas production by inflation. These chemistry experiments using common items can be modified to test different variables, turning demonstrations into real experiments.