Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated white sugar, divided into six 1/2-cup portions
- 6 small bowls, each about 8 fluid ounces
- 6 food-coloring shades, about 3 drops of each color
- 1 tablespoon water for mixing the colors
- 1/2 cup baking soda for the center
- 1/2 cup white vinegar for the fizzing reaction
- 1 shallow tray, about 12 inches by 8 inches
- 1 small measuring cup, at least 1 cup capacity
- 1 set of measuring cups, including a 1/2-cup measure
- 1 tablespoon measuring spoon
- 1 teaspoon measuring spoon
- 6 forks, one for each bowl
- 1 small spoon for arranging the sugar
- 1 sheet parchment paper, about 12 inches by 16 inches
- 1 clean kitchen towel, 12 inches by 24 inches or larger
- 1 pair reusable kitchen gloves, optional for food-coloring cleanup
- 1 pair protective glasses, especially when children are helping
Instructions
- Cover your work surface first with the parchment paper and set the tray in the center.
- Measure 3 cups of sugar and divide it evenly among the six bowls, using 1/2 cup in each bowl.
- Prepare the color mixture with 1 tablespoon of water and 3 drops of food coloring in a small cup. Stir gently, then divide the liquid between the six bowls as evenly as you can.
- Stir each bowl with its own fork until the color spreads through the sugar.
- Spread each colored sugar mixture onto the parchment paper in a thin layer.
- Let the sugar dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir each color once halfway through this time.
- Place the tray on the covered surface and pour the 1/2 cup of baking soda into the center. Shape it into a low mound about 3 inches wide.
- Build the rainbow around the baking soda by placing each color in a curved band, using about 1/2 cup of each colored sugar.
- Check the sides and fill any open gaps with the matching color.
- Set the protective glasses beside the tray and pour the 1/2 cup of vinegar into the measuring cup.
- Pour the vinegar slowly over the center of the mound.
- Watch the reaction from the side rather than leaning over the center.
- When the fizz settles, use the spoon to spread the damp sugar into a thin layer and let the tray dry before cleanup.
- Finish by rinsing the measuring cup, spoons, and bowls with plenty of water.
Notes
The project is suitable for children ages 5 and up with close adult supervision. It involves using food coloring, which can stain, and vinegar, which may irritate skin and eyes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
