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If you’ve been looking into the science of homemade pop rocks, you’re probably wondering what makes pop rocks pop.
Do you ever wonder what makes pop rocks pop?
It’s a mystery to many but science can explain it! In fact, pop rocks are a great way to get your kids interested in science.
But what makes them pop? And why do they make that noise?
Keep reading to learn why pop rocks pop and enjoy a science lesson for kids!
Kids will have a blast exploring the science behind these popular candies.
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What Are Pop Rocks?
Why learn about the science of pop rocks? Because pop rocks are awesome, that’s why!
Pop rocks are definitely one of the most interesting candies out there. But what is a pop rock?
For those who don’t know, pop rocks are small pieces of candy that emit a popping noise (along with a fun, tingly sensation) when they come into contact with saliva. This reaction is caused by the presence of carbon dioxide gas bubbles within the candy.
Pop rocks are an iconic candy that made their debut back in 1975. And they’ve been beloved by children everywhere ever since.
Learning about the science of pop rocks is a fantastic STEM activity that your kids will absolutely love.
Free Printable Pop Rocks STEM Project
Do you want to dive into the science of pop rocks with your kids?
I’ve got a free STEM project for you that focuses on the science of pop rocks.
Download your free instructions and get ready to have a ton of fun with your science lesson!
Click here to access your Free Pop Rocks STEM Project!!
Remember to also grab the free printable scientific method worksheets so you can turn this into a full-blown science experiment.
Or keep reading to learn more about what makes pop rocks pop.
Where To Buy Pop Rocks?
Even though pop roks were extremely popular back in the day, these days they are not always as easy to find.d
If you want to buy a package of pop rocks, you can check your local grocery store down the candy aisle or the impulse purchase section.
If that doesn’t pan out, you can check an old fashioned candy shoppe or a soda shoppe.
And if all else fails, I’ve always had luck with buying pop rocks on Amazon.
Packages of pop rocks tend to come with a variety of flavoring including strawberry, bubblegum, watermelon, apple, and more!
What Makes Pop Rocks Pop?
Do you know what makes pop rocks pop?
Pop rocks are a type of candy that creates a unique popping sensation when eaten.
The candy is made by coating small pieces of sugar (typically made using corn syrup) with carbon dioxide gas. When the pop rocks are eaten, the carbon dioxide breaks down, releasing a small amount of gas into the mouth.
This causes the pop rocks to pop and crackle as the candy dissolves.
While the candy is safe to eat, there have been some urban legends about pop rocks causing stomach explosions. However, these stories are baseless – the pop rocks simply dissolve in your stomach like any other candy.
So why do pop rocks pop? What is the secret behind this popping candy?
The answer lies in the science of pressure and carbon dioxide. When the carbonated candy is manufactured, the carbon dioxide is dissolved in the sugar solution under high pressure.
When the candy is eaten, the carbon dioxide is released from the solution, creating tiny bubbles that pop and fizz. So next time you enjoy a pack of pop rocks, remember to thank chemistry for making it possible!
Making homemade pop rocks candy at home is a super fun STEAM activity for kids. However, you might have noticed that your homemade pop rocks don’t pop in quite the same way as storebought pop rocks.
To make your pop rocks just like the store-bought pop rocks candy, you would need a pressure cooker capable of injecting CO2 into molten candy at 600 psi which is extremely dangerous. This highly pressurized carbon dioxide cannot be safely duplicated at home, but it is the reason these popping candies pop.
You can learn more about the process of making store bought pop rocks here.
But don’t worry! When done properly, your homemade pop rocks will still be fizzy and fun to eat. They’ll just lack that fun little explosion.
And when you’re in the middle of your pop rocks science lesson, be sure to take a closer look at your candies under a magnifying glass. Try taking a look at both homemade candies and store bought candies, wet and try, under a magnifying glass and see how each one compares!
More Science Lessons For Kids
When you’re done learning about the science of pop rocks and what makes them pop, be sure to check out these other fun science lessons for kids!
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