Exploding Colors Experiment

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 Ages: 5-10

Objective: Engage children in a colorful and dynamic experiment to observe the interaction between different liquids and the concept of surface tension.

Materials Needed:

  1. Shallow dish or plate
  2. Whole milk (low-fat milk can work but results may vary)
  3. Liquid dish soap
  4. Cotton swabs
  5. Food coloring (assorted colors)
  6. Small cup (for dish soap)

Procedure:

  1. Pour the Milk:

    • Pour enough milk into the shallow dish to cover the bottom completely.

  2. Add Food Coloring:

    • Add a few drops of different colors of food coloring to the milk. Space the drops out, but don’t stir them.

  3. Prepare the Soap:

    • Pour a small amount of liquid dish soap into a small cup.

  4. Dip the Cotton Swab:

    • Dip one end of the cotton swab into the dish soap.

  5. Touch the Milk:

    • Gently touch the soap-coated end of the cotton swab to the surface of the milk in the center of one of the food coloring drops.

  6. Observe the Reaction:

    • Watch as the colors explode and move away from the cotton swab, creating beautiful patterns and swirling effects.

Explanation:

  • The Exploding Colors experiment demonstrates the concept of surface tension. Milk contains fat, and when the soap is introduced, it breaks the surface tension and the fat molecules start to move. The food coloring, being lighter, is pushed around by this movement, creating a stunning visual display.

Extensions:

  1. Change Variables: Experiment with different types of milk (e.g., skim, 2%, cream) to see how they affect the reaction.

  2. Try Different Soaps: Use various brands or types of liquid dish soap to observe if they produce different effects.

  3. Discuss Surface Tension: Explain to children how surface tension works and where else they might encounter it, such as water droplets on a leaf.

  4. Create Patterns: Use the cotton swab to create specific patterns or designs in the milk before adding the soap.

  5. Record Observations: Have children draw or describe what they observe during the experiment, including their hypotheses and the outcomes.

Safety Note:

  • Ensure children handle food coloring with care to avoid staining clothes or skin. Supervise them during the experiment, especially when handling milk and soap. Make sure they do not ingest any of the materials used.

This experiment not only captivates children with its colorful and dynamic display but also introduces them to scientific concepts like surface tension in a fun and interactive way.

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