Dancing Raisins
Grade Five
Strand: Understanding Matter and Energy
Topic: Properties of and Changes in Matter
Expectations:
1.
2.5: Use appropriate science and technology vocabulary, including mass, volume,
properties, matter, physical changes, chemical changes, in oral and written
communications
2.
3.2: Identify properties of solids, liquids, and gases, and state examples of each
3.
3.4: Describe physical changes in matter as changes that are reversible
4.
3.5: Describe chemical changes in matter as changes that are irreversible
Required materials:
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2 clear jars
A clear, carbonated beverage
Raisins
Pencil
Paper
Water
A Description of the Procedure:
1.
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Fill one jar with water and one jar with a clear carbonated beverage
Record observations
Drop a handful of raisins into the jar of carbonated beverage
Record observations
Scientific Explanation:
Raisins will always sink in the water. Raisins will initially sink in the clear, carbonated beverage
(soda) because they are denser than the liquid soda. However, the carbonated beverage releases
carbon dioxide bubbles which force the raisins to “dance.” When the carbon dioxide bubbles
form, they stick to the rough surfaces of the raisins. When enough carbon dioxide bubbles cling
to the raisin’s surface, it causes it to rise. The raisin rises and is lifted due to the increase in
buoyancy caused by the attached gas bubbles. Carbon dioxide is less dense than water. When it
clings to something, it increases that object’s buoyancy as well. When the raisins reach the
surface the carbon dioxide bubbles pop and the carbon dioxide gas escapes into the air. When the
carbon dioxide escapes, it causes the raisin to lose buoyancy and sink. This rising and sinking of
the raisins continues until most of the carbon dioxide has escaped into the air and the soda goes
flat. The raisins can also become saturated with liquid and become too dense to rise. This also
causes the “dancing” to stop.
Appropriate References:
Parratore, Phil, Investigations in Science: Matter. Creative Teaching Press. 1995. Pg. 16
Opportunities and other Considerations:
Something to keep in mind is that the experiment and the dancing effect of the raisins will last
longer if you seal the container it is in. This causes less carbon dioxide to escape and will
prolong the dancing of the raisins. You can also try this experiment with other objects to see if
they exhibit the same or similar behaviour. The object you are trying to get to move must have a
rough surface and be slightly denser than water. Some objects that would work would be
mothballs and uncooked pasta. Another object that would be fun to use is Jell-O. If you pour
carbonated beverage into a clear cup, add some salt to the soda and put some Jell-O into the cup,
the Jell-O will bounce up and down inside of the cup as air bubbles accumulate and come off of
the Jell-O. This works with the same principles as the raisins in the carbonated soda. Also, would
different types of carbonated beverages make a difference with the amount that the raisins
dance? You could also try this with baking soda, vinegar, and water rather than a premade
carbonated beverage.
Kara Nisbet and Cameron Fleming