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SLS x Broncology
She Leads STEM INC. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering future female scientists and leaders in STEM. We offer STEM programming for students K-8 (engineering challenges, coding classes, robotics, and more) both in-person and virtual, as well as provide volunteering opportunities for high school and college students. Want to learn more about our organization or volunteer with us? Scan the QR code to be directed to our website.
This collaboration with Broncology is a project to allow us to bring science into your home.
What is a Chemical Reaction?
Physical Reaction | Chemical Reaction |
Imagine shredding paper, it has different properties, but it is still paper! This is an example of a physical reaction.  | Now, say that you light the paper on fire, it will result in a bunch of ashes; it has a different chemical makeup. When paper is no longer paper and you can’t reverse the changes, it is an example of a chemical reaction.  |
In today’s DIY Bath Bombs, we are playing around with chemical reactions. When the bath bomb is placed in the water, there is a chemical reaction that occurs and carbon dioxide gas is released.
Let’s make DIY Bath Bombs!
Materials
1 cup Baking soda
1/2 cup Citric acid
1/2 cup Cornstarch
Food coloring
Essential oil of your choice (optional!)
Water
Equipment
Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Spoon for stirring
Bath bomb molds
Method
Mix the baking soda and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl. For now, keep the citric acid set aside and do not mix it in. Use a mixing spoon to break up any clumps.
Add the essential oil a few drops at a time into the mixture and mix until fully incorporated. You may find that it's easier to use your hands to incorporate the oil, rather than a spoon. If desired, you can wear gloves to keep your hands clean.
Mix the color a few drops at a time into the dry mixture using your hands. The more drops you use, the deeper and more saturated the color will become.
Add water half a teaspoon at a time, stirring the mixture in after each addition. Keep adding water until the mixture becomes the texture of damp sand and will hold in a tight clump.
Add the citric acid and thoroughly combine until well-mixed.
Pack the two sides of your bath bomb mold full of the mixture. Pack it tightly and slightly overfill. Press the two sides of the mold together as tightly as you can. Gently pull off one side of the mold, flip the ball over into your hand, and pull off the other side of the mold.
Use the back of the spoon to smooth the seam of the ball where the molds met.
The bath bombs need to harden before they can be used. Leave them to dry overnight at room temperature.
Think like a Scientist
Question
After what you have learned about chemical reactions, what do you think will happen when you place a bath bomb in the water?
Write a hypothesis!
A hypothesis is an educated guess of how you think the experiment will go. In the experiment you are testing to see if your hypothesis is correct or incorrect. It gives your experiment direction, and can help you plan for more experiments in the future.
Observations
Write down what the results were. Use your five senses! Consider making a chart similar to this to help organize your thoughts:
What do you see? | Write here! |
What do you hear? | |
Were there differences at different time points? | |
A good experiment will lead to new questions to ask. Then, you can create a new experiment and start the process all over again!
Example: How do you make a bath bomb that is multiple colors?
Share what you learned
Submit your observations, reflections, thoughts, pictures, or anything of your choosing for a chance to be featured on the She Leads STEM instagram! @sheleadsstem
Scan this QR code to access the Google Form https://forms.gle/VtEhr3KMN3m9zU499
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