Magic Milk Experiment: Exploring Surface Tension and Chemistry

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Ages: 5-10

Objective: Introduce children to the concepts of surface tension and chemical reactions in a fun and colorful experiment using everyday household materials.

Materials Needed:

  1. Whole milk (low-fat or skim milk will not work as well)
  2. Liquid dish soap
  3. Food coloring (assorted colors)
  4. Cotton swabs or small paintbrushes
  5. Dish or shallow container (such as a pie dish or baking tray)
  6. Optional: Glitter or small beads for added visual effect

Procedure:

  1. Pour a thin layer of whole milk into the dish or shallow container, covering the bottom completely.

  2. Add drops of food coloring to the milk in various spots, using different colors for a more vibrant result. You can also sprinkle a pinch of glitter or add small beads for extra visual appeal.

  3. Dip a cotton swab or small paintbrush into the liquid dish soap.

  4. Gently touch the soapy end of the cotton swab or paintbrush to the surface of the milk, near one of the spots of food coloring. Observe closely as the colors begin to swirl and mix together.

  5. Continue adding drops of dish soap to different areas of the milk surface, experimenting with different patterns and techniques. Watch as the colors continue to move and blend, creating mesmerizing effects.

Explanation:

  • Whole milk contains fat molecules, which have a property called surface tension that allows them to resist mixing with other substances.
  • When dish soap is added to the milk, it disrupts the surface tension and breaks apart the fat molecules.
  • As the fat molecules separate, they allow the food coloring to mix and spread, creating swirling patterns in the milk.

Extensions:

  1. Experiment with different types of milk (such as 2% milk or heavy cream) to observe any variations in the results.
  2. Discuss with children the science behind surface tension and how it affects the behavior of liquids.
  3. Encourage children to hypothesize what might happen if they change the temperature of the milk or use different types of liquids.
  4. Explore other factors that can affect surface tension, such as the presence of contaminants or additives in the liquid.
  5. Challenge kids to create their own artistic designs by strategically adding drops of food coloring to the milk before adding the dish soap.

Safety Note:

  • Supervise children closely during the experiment, especially when handling dish soap and small objects. Remind them not to ingest any of the substances used.

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