10 Backyard Science Experiments for Kids

When I was little I remember loving to watch a Black Snake firework grow and creep across the sidewalk. Did you know you can make your own, any time of the year? It only takes a few common household ingredients (sugar, baking soda and some sand) to bring your own slithery carbon sugar snake to life. This experiment involves fire, so an adult needs to be involved and present the whole time. But we bet you’ll get a kick out of it just as much as the kids! 

Science lesson: The experiment demonstrates the chemical reaction that happens when sugar and baking soda are heated together. The heat breaks down the sugar, releasing carbon dioxide gas, which causes the black “snake” to grow and puff up. The baking soda helps the reaction by releasing more gas and creating the foamy, ash-like structure.

Up next: Rubber bands around a watermelon