We’re learning some fun carbon dioxide facts for kids. Also, look at my post 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.
And of course the best way to learn facts about a gas which could possibly be a boring topic is through a soda geyser reaction. That eruption is sure to bring life to your science today.
So, we’re learning some facts about carbon dioxide and doing a diet coke and mentos hands-on science experiment.

We’ve all seen those cool eruptions on YouTube but we’re learning about the science behind it.
Too, it’s a fun way to learn about gas pressure and physical reactions.
Also, this experiment can be expanded to try soda with sugar. Does the diet soda work better or worse than the sugar soda? Why? Try the soda cold and try it warm. Then try other candies.
Measure the geyser (with safety goggles on please) and stand back or have a soda shower if you want to.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICAL SCIENCE
We prefer living books when we can find them.
Then I add reference books.
10 Books About Physical Science
Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.
Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.
In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories
Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.
Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.
Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.
Book about electricity for children.
Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.
Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.
Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.
Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work
Additionally, look at more hands-on activities about physical science.
HANDS-ON PHYSICAL SCIENCE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
- How To Do An Easy Pencil Electrolysis Activity On Electricity
- Sir Isaac Newton’s First Law Of Motion Simple Experiment
- Easy Atom Model Project: How To Create A Fun Lego Version
- How to Make an Edible Kindergarten Earth Science Tectonic Plate Activity
- 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
- EASY Hands-on Earth Science: Fun Water Testing Kit
- Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
- 8 Earth Day Facts | How to Make a Recycled Robot
- Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment
- Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
- Space Science Experiment ~ Exploring one of Jupiter’s Moons
- Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages
- How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
- How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
- Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets

Next, look at carbon dioxide facts for kids.
CARBON DIOXIDE FACTS FOR KIDS
- Carbon dioxide is a gas that’s all around us. It’s made of two kinds of atoms: carbon and oxygen.
- When one carbon atom joins with two oxygen atoms, you get CO₂ which is carbon dioxide.
- You make carbon dioxide every time you breathe out.
- Vehicles burn fuel and release carbon dioxide.
- Plants love carbon dioxide.
- Plants use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to make their food, then in return they give us oxygen.
- Too, carbon dioxide keeps Earth warm by trapping eat from the sun.
- However, too much carbon dioxide can be a problem for Earth. For example, we can burn too much fuel. Too much CO₂ can melt ice, change weather, and hurt animals’ homes.
- CO₂ is the gas that makes soda fizzy.
- Carbon dioxide is a natural gas that helps keep the Earth balanced.
Finally, look at this fun diet soda and Mentos science experiment.
HOW TO DO A DIET SODA AND MENTOS SCIENCE EXPERIMENT
First, look at this easy list of supplies.
- (6) Mint Mentos
- 1 2L Diet Soda
- Open outdoor area
- Flat surface
Directions:
First, place the 2 L of soda on a flat surface outdoors.

Remove the soda cap.
Quickly add 6 Mentos to the soda.
Move away from the soda bottle.

Stand back and watch the reaction!
Why does this happen?
Soda is carbonated, containing dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas under pressure.

Some gas escapes when you open a bottle, but most stays dissolved in the liquid.
This experiment uses Mentos candies because they have a rough, porous surface at the microscopic level.
This texture provides tiny spots where the CO₂ can gather and form bubbles very rapidly.
So when Mentos are dropped into soda, two things happen.
1) CO₂ gas rapidly escapes from the liquid.
2)This causes a huge number of bubbles to form all at once.
The eruption happens when the bubbles rise quickly and carry soda with them, creating an explosive geyser of foam. The narrow neck of the soda bottle helps direct the pressure upward.