Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by mixing up some science-inspired Love Potions? This February-themed STEM activity is perfect for curious kids aged 4–8. It’s safe, simple, and packed with fizzing, bubbling fun—all while sneaking in a little chemistry lesson about reactions. Who needs Cupid when you have science?

Grab your mini scientists, and let’s make some Valentine magic!

What You’ll Need:

  • Clear cups or jars (small ones work best)
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Food coloring in Valentine’s colors (pink, red, purple, etc.)
  • Glitter (optional—add sparkle to your potion!)
  • A tablespoon
  • A small dropper or pipette (optional, but fun for pouring the “magic ingredient”)
  • A tray to catch messes (trust me, you’ll want this)

A Quick Science Chat with Your Kiddos:

Before we get started, here’s the scoop for your aspiring scientists. When baking soda (a base) meets vinegar (an acid), it creates a reaction that releases carbon dioxide gas. That’s the fizz and foam you’ll see! It’s like creating Valentine’s bubble magic right in your kitchen.

Now, let’s mix up some potions!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Set the Mood

Place your clear cup or jar on the tray. Tell your budding scientist, “We’re about to mix a Valentine potion that bubbles with love!” Because science is always more fun when it’s part of a story.

2. Start with Baking Soda

Scoop 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda into the cup. This will be the base of your potion. Spread it evenly in the bottom so it’s ready to react.

? Little Scientist Tip: Explain that the baking soda is the “magic powder” that makes our potion fizz.

3. Add a Splash of Color

Mix a cup of water with a few drops of food coloring, choosing your favorite Valentine’s shade—maybe pink like a heart or purple like a crown! Pour a small amount of the colored water into the cup with the baking soda. Add some glitter for sparkle if you’d like!

? Challenge: What happens if you mix two colors (red and white for pink)? Try it and see!

4. Time for Magic!

Fill another cup with vinegar. This is your potion’s “secret ingredient.” Use a spoon or dropper to slowly pour the vinegar into the baking soda mixture. Watch as your potion fizzes, froths, and bubbles over like magic!

? Wow Moment: “Look at that fizz! It’s love potion magic!” Point out the foam rising to the top and any sparkling bubbles from the glitter.

5. Experiment and Explore

Feeling creative? Add extra drops of vinegar and notice how the potion reacts again. Repeat the process with different colors or even layer them to create a multicolored potion! Try mixing more vinegar or adding less baking soda to see how it changes the reaction.

The Science Behind the Sparkle:

When baking soda and vinegar are combined, they create carbon dioxide gas, which causes the bubbling and fizzing you see. It’s the same kind of gas used to make soda fizzy! This fun reaction is not only eye-catching but also teaches kids about chemical reactions, the basics of acids and bases, and how different materials interact.

Keep it simple—just explain it in terms like “the vinegar and baking soda are having a science dance party!”

Why It’s Perfect for February:

This STEM activity ties in the fun of Valentine’s Day with science and discovery. Kids can get creative by choosing their potion colors, playing with glitter, or even giving their potions fancy “love” names like “Heart Fizz” or “Cupid’s Bubbles.” It’s an exciting way to introduce chemistry concepts while celebrating the season with love, laughter, and science!

Don’t forget to snap some pictures of your little scientists and their colorful concoctions—you’ll want to remember these adorable moments.

Happy Valentine’s experimenting! ??