{"id":83446,"date":"2026-02-20T13:16:28","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T21:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=83446"},"modified":"2026-02-20T13:16:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T21:16:31","slug":"science-experiment-penny-cleaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/science-experiment-penny-cleaning\/83446","title":{"rendered":"Penny Cleaning Science Experiment for Kids (Vinegar & Salt)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Try This Penny Cleaning Science Experiment for Kids (Vinegar & Salt)<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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In this easy STEM activity, kids will discover how everyday ingredients, like vinegar and salt, can transform a dull, dirty penny into one that looks shiny and new<\/strong>. The Penny Cleaning Trick is a perfect hands-on way to introduce young learners to basic chemistry concepts while encouraging observation, prediction, and scientific thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This simple science experiment is ideal for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary students. Adult supervision is recommended.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Questions to Ask Your Child During the Experiment:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • What does the penny look like before we start?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • What changes do you notice while the penny is in the mixture?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Why do you think the penny looks different afterward?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • What other objects might change when cleaned this way?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    These questions help children practice observation, prediction, and scientific thinking.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/hero-cta-component>\n\n\n\n

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    What You\u2019ll Need for the Penny Cleaning Experiment:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    • Old, tarnished pennies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • White vinegar (about 1\/4 cup)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Salt (about 1 teasopoon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • A small bowl<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • A spoon<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Paper towels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
      \"Materials<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Instructions for the Penny Cleaning Science Experiment:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      Step 1: Add Salt to the Vinegar<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      \"Adding<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      \"Cartoon<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      1<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Pour a small amount of white vinegar into a bowl. Add about a teaspoon of salt to the vinegar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      Step 2: Stir Well to Dissolve the Salt<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      \"Happy<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      \"Stirring<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      2<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Use a spoon to stir the vinegar and salt together. Keep stirring until the salt dissolves into the liquid. This creates the special solution that will help clean the pennies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      Step 3: Pour the Mixture Into the Bowl<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      \"Pouring<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      \"Cheerful<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      3<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Place the dirty pennies into a larger bowl or container. Carefully pour the vinegar and salt mixture over the pennies until they are covered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      Step 4: Watch the Color Change<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      \"Cartoon<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      \"Dirty<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      4<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Let the pennies sit in the mixture for a short time. Watch closely as the pennies begin to change color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Encourage kids to observe what\u2019s happening and talk about what they see.
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      Step 5: Compare the Shiny Penny<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      \"Before<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      \"Smiling<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      5<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Remove the pennies from the mixture and place them on a paper towel to dry. Compare a cleaned penny with a dirty one. The difference is easy to see!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Video Instructions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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