Science fun for kids: The Listers spark curiosity with three experiments exploring the power of fire and air

Last time the online creators from “Mommy and Me: The Listers” visited the “Houston Life” studio, mom Crystal Lister and her daughters Kinsley and Krissy literally passed fire from hand-to-hand.

Revisit the fiery moment when the STEMagicians lit up the place in this article.

Today on “Houston Life,” the family is back with three new experiments. But this time, they are putting out the fire and showing the power of air. Scroll below for the step-by-step instructions or watch the video above as The Listers show the magic to Houston Life reporter Melanie Camp and KPRC 2 meteorologist Anthony Yanez.

If you’d like to get up close to some fun STEM action, Lister is making it happen with the 4th Annual STEM Carnival: The STEMazing Race. Happening Saturday, September 6, at Houston Community College–South Campus, the event invites families to explore hands-on experiments, live demonstrations, and interactive challenges that make science, technology, engineering, and math come alive. From robotics and drones to augmented and virtual reality, kids of all ages can experience STEM in a way that feels exciting and accessible.

What makes the carnival so special is that it’s community-driven, born from one mom’s passion for sparking curiosity and opportunity. Along with the experiments, families can enjoy music, food, and fun, plus the chance to win free laptops. “STEMagicians” will also be on hand to transform science into magical moments, proving just how fun discovery can be. Whether your child is already obsessed with science or just curious to explore, The STEMazing Race is a chance to learn, play, and be inspired.

Scroll down for the step-by-step how-to guide, if you want to try out some fun science experiments at home using a few things you’ll likely find around the house!

(1) Putting Out Fire with Science

⚠️ Reminder: Flames, fires, and chemicals should always be handled with an adult present.

• Tea light
• Lighter
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Balloon
• Graduated cylinder
• Beaker

Procedure

1. Light the tea light.
2. Pour vinegar (from the beaker) into the baking soda inside the graduated cylinder, then quickly place a balloon on top to capture the gases.
3. Once the balloon fills, pour the captured gases into a beaker.
4. Gently pour the beaker over the flame and watch it extinguish.

The science behind it

• The baking soda + vinegar reaction creates carbon dioxide gas. Because CO₂ is denser than oxygen, it displaces the oxygen around the flame, causing it to go out.

(2) The Magical Crushing Can

• 1 empty aluminum soda can
• Stove, hot plate, or burner
• Tongs (to safely handle the hot can)
• Bowl filled with ice water

Procedure

1. Add Water to Can
   1. Pour about 1–2 tablespoons of water into the empty soda can
2. Heat the Can
   1. Place the can on the stove or hot plate.
   2. Heat until the water boils and you see steam escaping from the opening (30–60 seconds).
3. Prepare the Ice Water
   1. While the can is heating, fill a bowl with cold water and add ice cubes.
4. Invert the Can
   1. Using tongs, carefully grab the hot can and quickly flip it upside down, plunging the opening into the ice water.
5. Watch What Happens
   1. The can will instantly crush with a loud pop!

The science behind it

• When the can is heated, the small amount of water inside turns to water vapor (steam), pushing most of the air out of the can.
• When the can is suddenly cooled by the ice water, the water vapor inside condenses back into liquid.
• This rapid condensation drastically reduces the pressure inside the can.
• The outside air pressure (which is much higher than the pressure inside the can now) crushes the can.

(3) Tornado Tube Experiment

• 2 clear plastic bottles (2-liter works best)
• A “tornado tube” connector (or duct tape to tightly connect bottles mouth-to-mouth)
• Water
• Optional: food coloring or glitter to make the tornado easier to see

Procedure

1. Fill one of the bottles about two-thirds full of water.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring or glitter (optional) to make the swirling easier to see.
3. Attach the empty bottle to the full one using the tornado tube connector (or tape). Make sure the connection is sealed tightly.
4. Flip the bottles upside down so the full bottle is on top.
5. Swirl the top bottle in a circular motion for a few seconds.
6. Watch as a water tornado (vortex) forms, spiraling down into the empty bottle!

The science behind it

• When you swirl the bottle, you create a vortex—a spinning column of water.
• The spinning motion pushes water toward the sides, leaving a hole (low pressure) in the middle.
• Air from the bottom bottle rushes upward through the middle of the vortex while water flows downward around it.
• This allows the water to drain quickly and smoothly, instead of glug-glugging slowly.
• This is the same science behind tornadoes, whirlpools, and hurricanes in nature: rotating air or water creates a vortex due to differences in pressure and motion.

For more science experiments from the Listers, visit their YouTube channel or follow them on Instagram.