Pot of Gold Science Experiment
Want to add a little St. Patrick’s Day magic to your classroom with a fun, hands-on activity? The Pot of Gold Explosion Science Experiment is a fantastic mix of science and excitement! Your students will be amazed as their pot of gold bubbles and fizzes, all while exploring the wonders of chemical reactions.
What’s the Science Behind It?
This experiment is a classic reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid), which creates carbon dioxide gas. The result? A fizzy, bubbling eruption that looks like a leprechaun’s pot of gold coming to life! Adding food coloring and glitter makes it even more magical.
Before the Activity
Before doing this fun activity, ask students to predict what will happen! With this free printable, I’ve provided the page for you! (Download is at the bottom of this post.)
Materials Needed:
✅ Baking soda
✅ Vinegar
✅ Yellow food coloring
✅ Green food coloring (optional)
✅ Glitter (for extra sparkle!)
✅ A small black bowl or pot
✅ A plate or tray (to catch the mess)
How to Set It Up:
1️⃣ Place your “pot of gold” (small black bowl) in the center of the plate or tray.
2️⃣ Fill it halfway with baking soda.
3️⃣ Add a few drops of food coloring and glitter to make it sparkle.
4️⃣ Fill the rest of the pot with more baking soda.
5️⃣ Add a few extra drops food coloring on top.
6️⃣ Pour vinegar into a cup for easy pouring.
Slowly pour the vinegar into the pot and watch as the golden explosion begins! Students will love seeing the foamy reaction as the colors mix and the glitter swirls.
After the Activity
After completing the experiment, have students fill out the conclusion form.
Why This Experiment is a Must-Try!
✔️ Easy & Low-Prep – Uses simple materials you probably already have!
✔️ Interactive & Engaging – Gets kids excited about science and hands-on learning.
✔️ Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! – Adds a festive and magical touch to your lessons.
This Pot of Gold Explosion will have your students giggling, guessing, and learning all at the same time. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a little STEM fun into your holiday activities!
Free Printable
📩 Want a printable version of this experiment? Grab it below by filling out the form!
Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how your students react! 🍀
