The Mentos and Coke experiment is still one of the most common and fun experiments to do with students when studying chemical reactions. There are two ways you can approach this experiment as the teacher. Because students might already be familiar with the result of the reaction, you can introduce them to the control, Mentos and Coke, and explain the reaction that is occurring. Then, students can choose to add or change variables to see if the results are the same, or if a different reaction occurs. Or students can perform both the control and variant experiments. Both ways will allow students to compare and contrast their results.
This worksheet will help guide students through the scientific method and creating predictions and conclusions based on their observations.
Clicking "Use This Assignment" will copy the worksheet into your teacher account. While it's complete and ready to use immediately, you can absolutely edit or adjust it as desired before you print it out! You can also create other worksheets for any chemical reaction experiment with our lab worksheet templates.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Empower students by letting them brainstorm changes to the classic experiment, such as using different sodas, candies, or temperatures. This helps them take ownership of the scientific process and fosters critical thinking skills.
Encourage students to write a prediction for each variable they plan to change. This step makes the experiment more purposeful and teaches the importance of scientific reasoning.
Review safety rules like keeping a safe distance and wearing protective eyewear. Outdoor experiments can be messy, so this ensures everyone stays safe and focused on learning.
Organize a share-out where each group presents their findings and observations. This promotes scientific communication and helps students understand how changing variables affects outcomes.
Ask students to identify what went well or what surprised them, and suggest how they could improve the experiment next time. This builds resilience and encourages a growth mindset in science learning.
The Mentos and Coke experiment demonstrates a rapid release of carbon dioxide gas when Mentos mints are dropped into Diet Coke. This causes an energetic eruption of foam due to the physical reaction between the candy's surface and the soda, making it a fun way to explore chemical reactions and the scientific method.
A worksheet helps guide students through making predictions, changing variables, recording observations, and drawing conclusions during the Mentos and Coke experiment. Simply copy or edit the provided worksheet, then use it to structure hands-on learning and reinforce scientific thinking.
Students can change variables such as the type of soda (regular vs. diet), number of Mentos, type of candy, or temperature of the drink. Altering these variables allows students to compare results and better understand cause-and-effect in chemical reactions.
You'll need Diet Coke, Mentos mints, a worksheet for recording results, and an outdoor space. Optional variables include other sodas or candies to expand the experiment and encourage further investigation.
The experiment encourages students to form hypotheses, test variables, observe outcomes, and draw conclusions—core steps of the scientific method. Using a worksheet helps organize their predictions, data, and reflections for deeper understanding.