Every year on March 17, people around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland, but now St. Patrick's Day is an international festival celebrating Irish culture. The Irish and Irish-at-heart celebrate with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green.

Watch this video to learn more about St. Patrick's Day.

Click below to learn about a crazy St. Patrick's Day tradition in Chicago.

What Do They Use to Dye the Chicago River Green For St. Patrick's Day?

It wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day in the Windy City without 400,000 spectators crowding the banks of the Chicago River to "ooh" and "aah" at its (temporarily) emerald green tinge. But what do they use to dye the waterway?hc

Watch this timelapse video of the Chicago River turning green.

What NEW things did you learn about St. Patrick's Day? Add a surprising fact to the discussion below.

Now, it wouldn't be wise for you to go turn your local river green, but how about making some green soda? Gather the following supplies and visit the website below for directions. When you are done with your project, share 3 ways...

1. Upload a picture to the discussion below
2. Upload to Instagram and tag it #onlineunitstudies #stpatricksday @lovinglearningfreely
3. Upload your pictures to your family's "Online Unit Studies" Pintrest board.

Supplies Needed:

• Plastic cups
• Baking soda
• Citric acid (Look for it in the canning or baking section of a supermarket.)
• Sugar
• Water
• Green food coloring
• Measuring cups and spoons

St. Patrick's Day Science: Making Green Soda Pop

In this tasty science activity you will work with baking soda, citric acid and sugar to create your own soda! And after you develop your recipe add a few drops of green food coloring and you've got a festive drink you could share with friends and family to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day!