Dancing Apple Seeds Preschool Science

Don’t throw your apple seeds! Instead, keep them and try the quick & easy dancing apple seeds science activity.

Table of Contents:

1. You’ve got to try the dancing apple seeds science experiment
2. The dancing apple seeds science project is so easy to set up
3. Materials
4. How to make dancing apple seeds
5. Do apple seeds float in water?
6. Questions to ask during the dancing apple seeds experiment
7. Frequently Asked Questions

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You’ve got to try the dancing apple seeds science experiment

I was cutting an apple the other day for an apple stamp art project, and a seed fell from the apple core.

I was instantly reminded of this easy, adorable science experiment when it landed on the table.

And psst…if you don’t have apple seeds, I have an easy alternative for you.

🍎 Related: Check out this adorable collection of the best apple activities for kids!

The dancing apple seeds science project is so easy to set up

The best thing about preschool science projects is that it’s all about simplicity.

This activity uses simple supplies and comes together in no time.

It’s dancing time!

🍎 Looking for more apple projects? I love these to my core:

• Torn Paper Apples: An Easy Fine Motor Activity
• Salad Spinner Apples
• Apple Stamp Process Art
• Apple Sticker Sort Activity

Materials

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• Apple seeds or dried black beans (I got my apple seeds from the apples I used for apple stamps)
• Clear jar or vase
• Water
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Spoon or spatula

How to make dancing apple seeds

Step 1: Full your jar or vase 2/3 full of water. Do not fill it to the top (trust me).

Step 2: Add in 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. Stir to combine until it is completely dissolved. If it’s taking too long to dissolve, start over and use warmer water.

Step 3: Add in the apple seeds (or black beans). Ask your child to predict what they think will happen when they go into the water. Will they sink? Will they float?

Step 4: THE BEST PART – pour in the vinegar. Add 1-2 tablespoons at a time and enjoy what you hear and see.*

*This is why you don’t fill the jar or vase to the top. 🤣

The first time I tried this experiment, I did it with corn kernels, filled the jar ½” from the top, added the vinegar, and cracked up when it bubbled straight out of the vase and all over my table.

If your seeds do not start to move after about 20 seconds, use your spoon or spatula again to mix the water a little bit. Alternatively, you could also add more vinegar. I typically do a combination of the two.

Do apple seeds float in water?

They do not, and that’s part of why this experiment works!

When they are first dropped in, they sink to the bottom.

Once the baking soda and vinegar interact, it creates carbon dioxide gas which forms bubbles.

The bubbles and the chemical reaction make the apple seeds rise and fall over and over again in your jar or vase.

Questions to ask during the dancing apple seeds experiment

Encourage curiosity and conversation with open-ended prompts like:

“What do you think will happen when we pour in the vinegar?”

“Can you describe the sound it makes?”

“What do you see happening to the apple seeds?”

Frequently Asked Questions