Hey there, science enthusiasts!
It’s Calie, your guide to fun and fascinating experiments that you can do right at home.
Today, I’m super excited to share with you an experiment that’s as astonishing as it is simple: the Exploding Soap experiment.
Yes, you read that right.
With just a bar of Ivory soap and a microwave, you’re all set to witness an incredible transformation that’s bound to amaze everyone, from the littlest learners to the grown-up kids at heart.
What You’ll Need
- A bar of Ivory Soap (it’s important to use Ivory soap as it has the unique properties needed for this experiment)
- A microwave
- A microwave-safe bowl
Steps to an Explosive Discovery
- Prep Your Soap: Unwrap a fresh bar of Ivory soap. This experiment is a great opportunity to talk about the properties of the soap and why you think Ivory, in particular, might have been chosen for this experiment.
- Microwave Magic: Place the bar of soap in the microwave-safe bowl. Then, heat it on high power for two minutes. Stand by and watch as the soap begins to expand and grow in a mesmerizing display.
- Cool Down: After the microwave timer goes off, give the soap (now a fluffy mass) and the bowl a couple of minutes to cool down before handling them. This ensures everyone’s safety and makes the next part of the experiment more enjoyable.
The Science Behind the Foam
What you’re witnessing in the microwave is a fantastic demonstration of physical change. Ivory soap is known for being “whipped” during its manufacturing process, which means it contains tiny air bubbles trapped within the soap.
When you microwave the soap, the water molecules in these bubbles get heated and turn to steam, expanding in the process. The heat also makes the soap itself soften and become more pliable, allowing the expanding steam to push the soap into a fluffy mass.
Unlike other soaps, Ivory’s unique composition, full of air pockets, allows for this dramatic expansion. The soap expands because of the air bubbles, and it stays in its expanded form because the soap cools and hardens again after the microwave is turned off.
Similar Experiments
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100 Easy Science Experiments For Kids To Do at Home
This experiment is definitely a fun party trick, but it’s a clear and engaging way to introduce concepts like physical changes, the effects of heat on different substances, and the properties of materials.
For families and educators, the Exploding Soap experiment is a great way to engage children in science. It shows that science isn’t confined to laboratories or textbooks; it’s all around us, in everyday items waiting to reveal their secrets.
So, next time you’re looking for a captivating science activity, remember that all you need is a bar of Ivory soap and a microwave.
The results are sure to “expand” your understanding and appreciation of science in the most unexpected ways.
Happy experimenting,
Calie
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
