This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.
Do your kids love edible science experiments? Are you on the lookout for a fun and simple STEM activity that is appropriate for young kids? Look no further than this fizzy lemonade edible science experiment!
In this experiment, your kids will learn all about acids, bases, and how they react when they come in contact with each other. Similar to the more popular baking soda and vinegar experiment, this fizzy lemonade experiment demonstrates that when an acid and a base mix, we can expect a chemical reaction in the form of an explosion.
Our world is filled with acids and bases and it is important for kids to learn the differences between these two definitions as well as how to work with acids and bases in the real world.
This experiment is completely edible and a whole lot of fun. Although your kids might not like the taste of this fizzy drink, so you might end your experiment by making regular lemonade. Either way, your kids are going to get a kick out of this hands-on activity.
And if you like this science activity, be sure to check out our list of super simple STEM activities, as well as our giant collection of STEM activities for elementary students.
Easy Navigation
Free Printable Fizzy Lemonade Instructions
Do you want to print out the free Fizzy Lemonade instructions? Take this STEAM activity with you!
Learn how to easily complete this project anytime, anywhere!
The Fizzy Lemonade STEM project includes easy-to-follow instructions, detailed photos, tips and tricks, ideas for taking it further, and so much more!
Your kids are going to love this Fizzy Lemonade activity.
Download your free 5-page project instructions now!
Or keep reading to find the online project instructions.
Ingredients for Fizzy Lemonade
First, you are going to want to gather your ingredients and materials. In addition to a happy child or two, you will need:
- 2 lemons
- Cold water
- Drinking glass
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Sugar
- Lemon juicer
Making Your Own Fizzy Lemonade Science Project
TIP – For this easy science activity, make sure you have a space that is cleared and prepared to get wet. When you add the baking soda, stir it quickly and it will overflow (that’s the fun fizz). If your child wants to see the reaction again, for the best results use new lemon juice as the reaction has already been used (the base has neutralized the acid) and it will not overflow again.
1. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze out all the juice into the drinking glass. How does it taste? The lemons are the acid in today’s fun experiment.
2. Add an equal amount of cold water. How does it taste?
3. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to your glass of lemonade and stir. Watch the acid-base reaction of your lemon mixture. What happened? Listen. How does it taste?
4. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and taste. What do you think?
5. Let it sit for about an hour and taste it again. Any better?
The Science Behind the Activity
Acids and bases are all over. This simple science project works based on the chemical reaction between the lemons, which are the acid, and the baking soda, which is the base. When the lemon and the baking soda combine the resulting chemical reaction is a fizzing “explosion.”
What other reactions do we see when we combine acids and bases? In the real world, acids and bases work to neutralize each other. When we have more of one than we do of another, we end with a less intense result.
We see this in situations such as chemical spills. In an chemical spill, workers will bring in a material or chemical that is opposite to the spilled chemical so that it can neutralize the problem. When the danger is passed (because everything is neutralized) then it is safe to clean up.
We also see this reaction in baking. When you have too much base in a recipe, your creation (cookies, cakes, etc) will be dense and flat. When you have more acids, it will rise and be fluffy, assuming you don’t have too much. If the bases and acids are equal, or neutral, the creation will not rise.
STEM Resources Delivered to Your Inbox Every Month
If you liked this edible STEM activity, you are going to love the STEM Made Easy Digital Subscription. Each month, you’ll receive 5 fully-planned STEM project guides along with worksheets and instructions for how to make them fun and engaging for kids ages 3-19. Check it out now!
Related Edible STEM Projects
Rock Candy Science
Edible Slime
Slime Science Experiments
Toothpick Bridges
More Resources You’ll Like
We often use the Fizzy Lemonade experiment for Valentine’s Day, so there’s a chance that’s why you’re here. With that in mind, here are a few Valentine’s Day resources you may want to check out:
11+ Awesome Valentine’s Day STEM Activities for Kids
15+ Free Valentine’s Day Printables and Worksheets
Free Valentine’s Day Symmetry Pages
Free Valentine’s Day Scattergories Printable for Holiday Fun
Love Language Printable Coupons
- Free Printable Valentine Multiplication Worksheets - June 4, 2025
- Free Printable Martin Luther King, Jr. Word Scramble - June 4, 2025
- Digital Math Curriculum | Pros, Cons, and Options - June 4, 2025