INSTRUCTIONS
Materials:
- Baking soda and cornstarch mixture
- White vinegar
- 2tbsp water
- Pipette
- Small dinosaur toys
- Food coloring (optional)
Step 1
Add approximately 2 tablespoons of water to bag of baking soda and cornstarch mixture.
At this point you may also add food coloring to the mixture. If you want different colors, move some of the mixture into a different container before adding the color.
Knead until mixed.
Note: I recommend using primary colors, so you can discuss color mixing later on!
Step 2
Use your hands to pack together the mixture, placing some of it in your hand before adding one of the dinosaurs in the middle and putting more of the mixture. If you used different colors, use a little bit of both.
Pack the mixture together into an egg shape. You should have enough to make about 2 eggs.
Your child might need some help, as the mixture can be crumbly and messy. Some resources suggest you can use a plastic Easter egg as a mold.
Discuss with your child that dinosaurs laid eggs, just like a bird or a reptile. Ask why they think you’re putting the dinosaurs inside of the eggs.
Step 3
Place the eggs in the freezer until solid, about an hour or two.
Step 4
When you remove the eggs from the freezer, place them in a bowl or container. Make sure you have enough room for the chemical reaction to occur.
Step 5
Use the pipette to drip white vinegar onto the dinosaur eggs and watch the chemical reaction occur! Let your child do it themselves to improve their fine motor skills.
Explain to your child that mixing different ingredients together can create a reaction like this one. Prompt them to explain what they see happening. If you used food coloring, ask them what colors are being created as the colors all mix together. Also discuss how the dinosaurs are “hatching” from the eggs!
FINISHED PRODUCT
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Color some pages in your “Dinosaurs” book and read to learn about different dinosaurs. Older children can also practice tracing the names of the dinosaurs!
