This simple kids’ science activity is perfect for little scientists who like seeing creatures come alive before their eyes.  Like our fizzing popsicle paint and magic balloons, this kids’ science experiment uses baking soda and vinegar to make gummy worms dance.

Follow the simple step-by-step below and then grab 30 more easy-to-follow science experiments kids will beg to repeat (plus a no prep science journal to keep track of their results!) in our shop!

Getting Ready

First, I grabbed a bag of gummy worms and a few common household items:

  • Gummy worms
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • 2 clear cups

Then, I cut the gummy worms in quarters.  (I found it easier to do with a wet knife or one dusted with baking soda to prevent the worm from sticking to the knife.)

So cool! This kids' science activity makes worms dance!!

Next, I had my 4 year-old, A, measure out 3 tablespoons of baking soda and stir them into a glass filled with 1 cup of warm water.  I handed her the pile of cut worms (we cut 3 worms in 12 pieces) and had her mix them into the baking soda and water concoction.

Love this kids' science activity!! Make worms dance.

Now came the hard part.  A had to wait a whole 15 minutes for the worms to soak in the baking soda mixture.

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While we waited, we filled the second clear glass with vinegar.

As soon as the timer buzzed, A ran to the worms and very carefully fished them out with a fork.

We started by placing just a couple worms in the vinegar and they instantly started forming bubbles.

After a few seconds, the worms were covered in enough bubbles that they started rising from the bottom, writhing their way to the surface.

Awesome Kids Science Make Worms Dance!!

After several minutes, A wanted to add more – even though the first worms were still dancing about.

It turns out the extra worms just sat on the bottom, too weighted down by the other worms to rise.

So, in this kids’ science experiment, less is actually more, with about 4 worms being the best.

A, delighted she could make gummy worms come to life, couldn’t wait to show her little brother.  He really thought they were alive and stared at them trying to figure out how we did it, then refusing to eat any of the remaining worms from the bag.  Super cool kids science. Make worms dance!!Quick and simple with lots of “oohs” and “aahs”, this kids’ science experiment is sweet in more ways than one!

The Science Behind It

When you add the worms soaked in baking soda, the acetic acid in the vinegar reacts with the bicarbonate in the baking soda.

And when an acid and base react, carbon dioxide gas bubbles form.

These gas bubbles form on the gummy worm and as the gas bubbles rise to the surface, they pull the gummy worm up with them, making them wriggle and dance.

As the gas bubbles burst, the worm falls back down until enough bubbles form to pull it back up.

The bubbles will continue to form until all the baking soda on the worm is used up and the worm will stop wiggling.

More Simple Science Kids Will Love

Inspire kids to LOVE science with 30 more jaw dropping experiments they’ll beg to repeat!

Grab 30 easy-to-follow science experiments kids will beg to repeat (plus a no prep science journal to keep track of their results!) in our shop!

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122 Comments

  1. We tried the dancing frankenworms several times and can not get them to rise. Any suggestions?

    1. Hello Corinne,
      Great question! We’ve had the best luck using Black Forest gummy worms like the ones here: http://amzn.to/2kybLwb
      The trick is to cut the worms into several small pieces so that they are light enough for the bubbles to lift them to the top of the cup.
      I hope this helps!
      Warmly,
      Kimberleigh

  2. Hi Kimberleigh,
    My Haribo Sour Worms just dissolved in the baking soda and water. I will try to find your brand.

    1. Hello Leslie,
      We’ve had the best luck using Black Forest gummy worms like the ones here: http://amzn.to/2kybLwb
      The trick is to cut the worms into several small pieces so that they are light enough for the bubbles to lift them to the top of the cup.
      I hope this helps!
      Warmly,
      Kimberleigh

  3. Can we let the worms sit in the baking soda mixture for more then15 minutes?

    1. Hi Samantha,

      You can leave them for a little longer but I wouldn’t leave them for more than 30 min as they start to dissolve and get slimy. Hope this helps!

  4. This is a cool experiment! I’ve done this with raisins, although didn’t coat them with baking soda first. (It still worked) The smaller, lighter raisins may work for those who are having trouble getting their worms to dance!

    1. That is a wonderful alternative. We love the Frankeworms option as a fun activity to do in the fall or around Halloween.
      But either one, I am sure the kids will love to do!

  5. How can I share this to facebook? This is such a cute idea,

  6. Do you think this would work with gummy bears. Would be great for back to school and Letter Bb.

  7. My worms didn’t float to the top! What did I do wrong? (I screwed up a kindergarten experiment, really? Haha)

    1. Hello Heather,
      We’ve had the best luck using Black Forest gummy worms like the ones here: http://amzn.to/2kybLwb
      The trick is to cut the worms into several small pieces so that they are light enough for the bubbles to lift them to the top of the cup.
      I hope this helps!
      Warmly,
      Kimberleigh

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