Have your students create rockets from old film canisters. They can decorate them with construction paper, but ensure the lid is not covered. Once done, mix baking soda and water to create a thick paste that will sit in the cap of the canister. Fill the body of the canister with vinegar and close. The rocket should explode off the ground shortly after contact between the vinegar and baking soda is made. Have the students put in different amounts of vinegar and baking soda to find what the perfect mix will be to get the highest explosion.
Give each student a two liter bottle of diet cola and a packet of mint-flavored candy. With the bottle of soda on a flat surface, open it and quickly drop all the candy in at the same time. The soda will explode out of the bottle several feet into the air. Try the experiment again but this time hold the bottle so it sprays parallel to the ground. Remove the candy from the bottles and note where erosion has occurred. Have the students explain why this reaction happens and remember the candy is still edible.
Create a hole in the side of a coffee can near the bottom and place rubber tubing through it. Place cornstarch in the bottom of the can covering the end of the tubing. The other end should be secured outside the can. Light a candle, place it inside the coffee can and secure the lid. Blow through the rubber tubing and with continuous air, a fire ball appears.
Put a few drops of food coloring in the bottom of a plastic lunch bag. In a small piece of paper towel, place baking soda and fold the paper towel around it to enclose the baking soda. Add a quarter cup of warm water and one-half cup of vinegar to the baggy and seal it half way. Quickly drop in your paper towel with baking soda and finish closing the bag. Shake, set down and step away. The bag will explode and create a popping noise.