Smoking Dragon Science Experiment (Dry Ice STEAM Project)
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This Smoking Dragon Science Experiment is easily one of the most popular STEAM activities we’ve ever done. Kids LOVE decorating their dragons and watching them puff real “smoke” as the dry ice reacts with warm water. If you’re looking for a hands-on science project that’s part art, part chemistry, and part magical, this one checks all the boxes!
This lesson pairs perfectly with the book Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin—the silly, imaginative story that inspired our dragon design. It is a favorite of ours.
What Is the Smoking Dragon Science Experiment?
Kids transform a simple cup into a dragon that “breathes” smoke rings using dry ice and water. As the dry ice sublimates (turns from a solid into a gas), it pushes fog out of the dragon’s mouth. Tapping the back creates little puffs that look like dragon breath!
It’s a fantastic way to explore:
• States of matter
• Sublimation
• Gas expansion
• Temperature change
• Creativity + engineering
Supplies Needed
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Dry ice
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Styrofoam or plastic cup
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Small plastic sandwich bag
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Rubber band
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Warm water
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Sharpie markers
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Hot glue gun (works better than school glue)
Watch it Here:
How to Make a Smoking Dragon
1. Decorate the Dragon Cup
Have kids color their cup with sharpies. Add pom-poms for the nose or eye bumps, and glue googly eyes on top. Encourage creativity—different colors, patterns, spikes, and expressions all make it fun.
2. Make the Dragon’s “Mouth”
Cut a circle in the bottom of the cup. This opening becomes the dragon’s mouth where the fog will escape.
3. Seal the Back of the Cup
Place a small sandwich bag over the open end of the cup and secure it tightly with a rubber band. This creates an air chamber that will push the fog forward when tapped.
4. Add Water + Dry Ice
Pour a small amount of warm water into the cup through the mouth opening. Using gloves or tongs, add a few small pieces of dry ice.
Safety Note:
Dry ice is extremely cold and can cause frostbite. Always handle with gloves or tongs, use in a well-ventilated area, and supervise children closely.
5. Make the Dragon Puff Smoke
Turn the dragon sideways so the mouth faces out. Gently tap the plastic bag on the back to make the dragon puff tiny smoke rings!
Kids will want to do this again and again—it’s irresistible.
The Science Behind the Dragon
Dry ice is simply frozen carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Temperature: –109°F (–79°C)
It doesn’t melt into a liquid—instead, it sublimates, changing directly from a solid into a gas.
When the warm water hits the dry ice:
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It speeds up sublimation
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CO₂ gas forms rapidly
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Water vapor condenses, creating thick white fog
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The expanding gas pushes the fog out of the dragon’s mouth
When you tap the back, that little burst of pressure sends out a smoke ring!
See it in action:
Since you already have dry ice, try the Dry Ice Crystal Ball Experiment, too!
More Dragon-Themed Learning Activities
If you’re doing a dragon-themed unit, check out these creative ideas from educators:
Feed the Dragon Taco Counting Math Game with free printable – Rainy Day Mum
Dragon Themed Positional Word Game – The Educators’ Spin On It
Where do I get dry Ice from