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Create Your Own Bath Bombs

Have you ever had a refreshing bath using a bath bomb? It can be quite the relaxing experience, especially if your bath bomb has a nice fragrance but what causes a bath bomb to become so fizzy? Explore the reaction taking place between different ingredients inside the bath bomb.

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Plan

  • What materials do you need to complete this activity?
  • What do you know about chemical reactions?
  • How long do you need to complete this activity?

Do

  • Gather ingredients for the activity
  • In a bowl/cup add:
    • 4 spoons of sodium bicarbonate
    • 2 spoons of citric acid
    • 2 spoons of cornstarch
    • 6 small drops of water
    • 2 drops of your essential oil/vanilla
    • 2-3 drops of food colouring
  • Mix until the mixture is crumbly
  • Test the mixture by squeezing it between your fingers (it should stick together like wet sand)
  • If the mixture is too dry, add a drop of water and ½ spoon of cornstarch and mix again
  • Fill and pack your mold
  • Let dry overnight
  • Unmold your bath bomb to use it!

Review

  • What kinds of reactions occurred during this activity?
  • What do you know now that you didn’t know before?
  • How would you change this activity for the next time you complete it?

Materials

Per person:

  • Plastic spoon
  • Bowl/cup
  • Water
  • Sodium Bicarbonate
  • Citric Acid
  • Cornstarch
  • Essential oil/vanilla
  • Food colouring
  • Plastic/silicone mold
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves

Keep it Simple

  • Explore the reaction that bath bombs have with different liquids. Does the bath bomb react the same way to water as it does to another vinegar? What are some other liquids you could test?

Take it Further

  • Get crafty and make some multi coloured/multi scented bath bombs by adding 2 colours or scents to your mixture. Is there a way you can make a cool design on your bath bomb? Test it out!