Magic Milk Experiment
A delightful hands-on science project that captivates all ages through vibrant colors and fascinating chemical reactions.
Ingredients
For the experiment
- 1 cup Whole milk or 2% milk Any type of milk will work, but results may vary.
- a few drops Food coloring (various colors) The more colors, the more exciting the results.
- 1 tablespoon Dish soap (liquid) Liquid soap works best.
- 1 shallow dish A shallow dish or plate For optimal visibility of the experiment.
- 2 pieces Cotton swabs or droppers Used to apply the soap and colors.
- as needed sheets Paper towels For cleanup after the experiment.
Instructions
Preparation
- Choose a clean area to conduct the experiment and place the shallow dish or plate on a stable surface.
- Pour enough milk into the dish to cover the bottom, aiming for about 1/4 inch depth.
Adding Colors
- Drop a few drops of different colors of food coloring into the milk.
- Observe how the colors remain separate.
Reacting
- Dip one end of a cotton swab into the dish soap and touch the soapy end to the surface of the milk near the food coloring.
- Observe the magical dance of colors as they spread and swirl.
- Experiment with different colors and combinations using a different cotton swab for each color to see how they interact uniquely.
Cleanup
- Clean the area with paper towels, and enjoy your beautiful, colorful creation!
Notes
Try using different types of milk (like skim or almond) to see varying reactions, and add edible glitter for extra visual appeal. Pair with lessons on properties of liquids or states of matter.