science experiment with oil water food coloring

Cool Science Experiments Headquarters

Making Science Fun, Easy to Teach and Exciting to Learn!

Science Experiments

Mixing Oil & Water Science Experiment

Have you ever heard the saying, “Oil and water don’t mix”? For this easy science experiment, we observe exactly what does happens when we mix oil and water, then we’ll add another item to the mix to see how it changes!

With only a few common kitchen items, kids can explore density and the reaction of adding an emulsifier (dish soap) to the experiment. A printable instruction sheet with a materials list, demonstration video, and a simple scientific explanation are included.

JUMP TO SECTION: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works

Supplies Needed

• Glass Jar with a lid (a pint canning jar works great)
• 1 cup Water
• Food Coloring
• 1 cup Oil (we used vegetable oil)
• 2 teaspoons Dish Soap

Mixing Oil & Water Science Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy Mixing Oil & Water Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

Mixing Oil & Water Science Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Start by filling the jar with 1 cup of water.

Step 2 – Add a few drops of food coloring to the water and stir until combined. Make some observations about the water. What happened when the food coloring was added? Was it easy to mix the food coloring into the water? Does the food coloring stay mixed with the water? What do you think will happen when we pour the oil into the jar? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then follow the steps below.

Step 3 – Next pour 1 cup of oil into the jar. Make a few observations. Does the oil behave the same was as the food coloring did when you added it to the water?

Step 4 – Securely tighten the lid on the jar and shake it for 15-20 seconds.

Step 5 – Set the jar down and watch the jar for a couple of minutes. Observe what happens to the oil and the water and write down your findings. Did the oil and water stay mixed together? Was your hypothesis correct? Do you think there is anything else that can be added to the jar to prevent the oil and water from separating?

Step 6 – Next, take the lid off the jar and squirt in 1-2 teaspoons of dish soap.

Step 7 – Tighten the lid back on the jar and shake again for another 15-20 seconds.

Step 8 – Set the jar down and watch the liquid for a minute or two. Observe what happens to the oil and the water now that the dish soap has been added to the mix. Write down your findings. Did the oil and water stay mixed together this time? Do you know why adding the dish soap preventing the oil and water from separating? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

How Does the Science Experiment Work

The first thing you will observe is that oil and water will not stay mixed together, no matter how hard you shake the jar. Instead, the oil slowly rises to the top of the water. This is because of the density of the two liquids. Density is a measure of the mass per unit volume of a substance. Water has a density of 1 g/mL (g/cm3). Objects will float in water if their density is less than 1 g/mL. Objects will sink in water if their density is greater than 1 g/mL. The oil is LESS dense than the water. This is because the molecules of oil are larger than the molecules of water, so oil particles take up more space per unit area. As a result, the oil will rise to the top of the water.

The second thing you will observe is that adding dish soap to the mixture changed the results of the experiment. When oil, water and dish soap are mixed together, the oil and water don’t separate like they did when they were the only two items in the jar. This is because of the chemistry of the oil, water and soap molecules.

Oil (and other fats) are made of nonpolar molecules, meaning they cannot dissolve in water. Water is made of polar molecules that can dissolve other polar molecules. Soap is made of molecules that have a hydrophilic (“water-loving”) end and a hydrophobic (“water-fearing”) end. Without soap, water and oil cannot interact because they are unlike molecules. When you add soap to the mixture, the hydrophobic end of the soap molecule breaks up the nonpolar oil molecules, and the hydrophilic end of the soap molecule links up with the polar water molecules. Now that the soap is connecting the fat and water, the non-polar fat molecules can be carried by the polar water molecules. Now the oil and water can be mixed together and stay mixed together!

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Mixing Oil & Water Science Experiment

• Glass Jar with a lid (a pint canning jar works great)

Instructions

• Start by filling the jar with 1 cup of water.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the water and stir until combined.
• Pour 1 cup of Oil into the jar.
• Securely tighten the lid on the jar and shake it for 15-20 seconds.
• Set the jar down and watch the liquid for a minute or two. Observe what happens to the Oil and the Water.
• Next, take the lid off the jar and squirt in 1-2 teaspoons of dish soap.
• Tighten the lid back on the jar and shake again for another 15-20 seconds.
• Set the jar down and watch the liquid for a minute or two. Observe what happens to the Oil and the Water now that the dish soap has been added to the mix.

Reader Interactions

October 4, 2017 at 11:43 am

Super ….. !

October 6, 2017 at 12:12 pm

Hi ! This gives us really good experiment

November 6, 2017 at 3:40 pm

This was the best science fair project ever

November 14, 2017 at 5:10 pm

December 10, 2017 at 10:38 am

This experiment is fun

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Policy
• Disclosure Policy

Copyright © 2024 · Cool Science Experiments HQ

Save Your Favorite Ideas

Oil and Water Experiment

This classic oil and water experiment is sometimes referred to as “fireworks in a jar” because it looks like fireworks falling down from the oil. Kids will love learning about density and how oil and water do not mix in this fun and easy science experiment!

RELATED: Rain Cloud in a Jar

Oil and Water Science Experiment

This simple science experiment explores density using oil and water. Expand this further by mixing or trying other oils – does it act the same way? You can even use a pipette to add drops of colored water to oil in a jar or cup and observe what happens.

What is Density?

Density is the amount of mass per unit of volume. Let’s say you have two objects and they are the same size. If one object is heavier, then it is denser and if the other object is lighter, then it is less dense.

What you will see in this experiment is that oil is less dense than water, so it will float on top of the water.

The Science Behind It

Oil and water do not mix. Oil is less dense than water and floats on top of the water. Food coloring is water-based so it mixes with the water. When you add the food coloring to the oil it will not mix. Once you add the oil to the water, the food colored droplets start to drop down since they are heavier than the oil. Once they drop into the water they start to dissolve and look like tiny explosions (or fireworks).

Supplies Needed

Vegetable Oil – we used canola oil

Food Coloring

A Clear Jar or Vase

Watch the Video Tutorial Here

Steps to do an oil and water experiment.

1. Fill your jar or vase 3/4 full with water.

2. Add oil into a bowl. You do not need a lot like we used – you can even just use about 4 tablespoons of oil for a thin layer. A little more oil will show the difference in density slightly better for kids.

3. Add 4 -5 drops of food coloring for each color you want to add. We used green, blue and purple food coloring. You can use any colors you’d like but we would recommend no more than 3 as the colors will mix quickly and will make it harder to see them dropping down.

4. Whisk the food coloring into the oil. You can point out at this stage that you can already tell the oil and water will not mix.  It’s best to whisk and add the oil straight into the jar or vase before the food coloring settles on the bottom of the bowl or or it may not form droplets when you add it to the water.

5. Add the oil into the water.

Now wait and see all of the little drops start to come down from the oil (making “fireworks”).

We love how easy this simple science experiment is – and kids will love to observe or make their own fireworks in a jar too!

More Science Experiments for Kids

Try this fun and easy Grow a Rainbow Experiment . You only need washable markers and paper towel!

For another fun experiment, make some oobleck! 

Try a rainbow rain cloud in the jar experiment!

Related Ideas:

Cloud Dough

The BEST Playdough Recipe

How to Make Slime With Contact Solution

50+ Christmas Crafts for Kids

Share a comment.

We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or comment here.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cancel Reply

Sign up for my FREE newsletter and get new ideas to your inbox!

Oil and Water Color Changing Lab Science Experiment for Kids

By: Author Darcy Zalewski

Posted on Last updated: January 31, 2020

This oil and water color changing lab is a super fun science experiment for kids. It’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers!

There is something amazing about color mixing, and mixing oil and water makes an easy kids science experiment . Kids love watching the process of colors changing right before their eyes.

With a bit of water, food coloring, and oil, kids will not only learn about how to mix colors, but about liquid density at the same time! We also have Ocean Zone Density Tower and Unicorn Density Tower experiments.

Kids Science Experiment with Oil and Water

Little scientists will have a blast with this hands-on science activity.

This simple kids science experiment mixes the best parts of several classic science experiments.

Liquid density, color theory, and the scientific method are all combined into this super fun activity that is perfect for preschool through second grade.

Having fun with kids science experiment ideas

One of the best things about this is that it isn’t just for those who are homeschooling. The oil and water changing lab idea is perfect for keeping kids busy and learning at the same time.

All kinds of education can come from simple everyday activities. Teaching your children while playing is a natural process, and this is a perfect way to do this with any age!

Grab the supplies you already have on hand in your kitchen for this fun kids science experiment that is a cool oil and water color changing lab designed just for children.

This post contains affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, we can earn a small commission if you shop through our links.

Supplies Needed for Oil and Water Science Experiment

• Oil ( vegetable oil or baby oil )
• Food coloring or liquid watercolors
• Clear plastic cups

Directions for Oil and Water Kids Science Experiment

Fill each cup about 3/4 of the way with oil and 1/4 of the way with water. Let the water settle to the bottom completely.

Have your child drop one color of food coloring into each cup. We just did three different colors, but you could try as many as you like to make tons of different color combinations.

Watch as the food coloring slowly descends to the bottom of the cup.

If the drops are small enough, you might have to give the cup a little shake to get the food coloring drop to descend faster.

Add a second color to the same cup. We chose to mix red and blue, red and yellow, and blue and yellow to make purple, orange, and green.

Because the liquid falls slowly through the water, it takes a little bit of time for the colors to fully mix.

When the colors are mixed, talk about why the colors changed and how different colors can combine to make other colors.

Have fun watching your kids eyes light up as they discover something new and learn from these simple kitchen items!

More Science Experiments:

• Melting Rainbow Baking Soda Experiment
• Fizzy Pink Bath Bombs Valentine’s Day Experiment
• Balloon Air Pressure Demonstration
• Unicorn Density Tower
• Ocean Zones Density Tower
• Candy Rainbow Experiment

More Kids Activities:

• Indoor Activities for Kids on Rainy Days
• 20 Superhero Activities for Kids
• 15 Disney Themed Craft Activities for Kids

Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.

Science Fun

Water Fireworks

• Food Coloring (Any color of your choosing)
• 16 oz clear glass
• Another 16 oz clear glass

Instructions:

• Fill the tall glass almost to the top with room-temperature water.
• Pour 2 tablespoons of oil into the other glass.
• Add 2 drops of food coloring to the glass with the oil.
• Stir the oil into the food coloring using a fork. Stop once you break the food coloring into smaller drops.
• Pour the oil and coloring mixture into the tall glass.
• Now watch! The food coloring will slowly sink in the glass, with each droplet expanding outwards as it falls. Looks like fireworks! Right?

VIDEO COMING SOON BUT YOU CAN STILL ENJOY THESE AWESOME EXPERIMENTS!

How it Works:

Food coloring dissolves in water, but not in oil. So when you pour in your food coloring/oil mixture the oil will float at the top of the water because it is less dense, and the food coloring will begin to dissolve once they sink through the oil and into the water.

Extra Experiments:

• Try using red and blue as you food coloring, and do one drop of blue and one drop of red when you start to mix the oil and food coloring together.
• Try doing it without the oil and observe and record how the results are different.
• Try using a larger glass, does it change the results?

EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!

SUBSCRIBE AND NEVER MISS A NEW SCIENCE FUN VIDEO!

previous experiment

Next experiment.

FROZEN LAVA LAMP SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

By: Author Agnes Hsu

Posted on Last updated: July 26, 2021

Categories Create , Latest

B y using this site, you agree to our  Terms of Use . This post may contain affiliate links. Read our  disclosure policy.

This fascinating frozen lava lamp science experiment is a great way to show kids the science behind why oil and water don’t mix. It’s super simple to set up with just 3 common household ingredients! 

We love making DIY lava lamps and have tried making them the more common way with oil, food coloring and Alka-Seltzers. Recently, we came across an even cooler way to make lava lamps (pun intended) with this frozen lava lamp experiment!

We first saw this on Capturing_Parenthood’s Instagram and were so excited to see how simple it was to create amazing bubbles! Stacey from Capturing Parenthood first saw this cool experiment on @weneedmoreglitter’s Instagram feed.

If your kids have ever tried the classic oil and water science experiment where you drop pipettes of food coloring into oil, then this is very similar; except the bubbles slowly appear as the frozen colored ice cubes melt! This creates a mesmerizing lava lamp like experiment. Kind of like those color sensory toys my kids are obsessed with that show globules of colored bubbles suspended in a clear liquid. 

Why do water and oil not mix? 

Like dissolves like; since oil is not water-based, it doesn’t dissolve in water. Oil is also less dense than water and therefore the differences in densities means these two substances are not able to mix. 

Since oil is not water-based, it doesn’t dissolve in water. This means that when you put an oil-based substance into water and stir, you’ll see two different substances floating in the same space – the oil slowly separates from the water. In the case of our frozen lava lamp experiment, as the frozen ice cubes melt, the water bead it creates is suspended in the oil. This creates a very cool effect, almost as if you have water beads suspended in liquid! As you can see in the photos and video on this post, the beads fall downwards because water is more dense than oil!

What do you need to set up with frozen lava lamp?

As we mentioned this experiment could not be more simple with just 3 common ingredients. You will need an water, food coloring and oil You will also need an ice cube tray, and a clear container. A few notes on the materials we used. We wanted a rainbow lava lamp so we colored ice cubes all the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple). But you can choose to do one color only!

We also only had this silicone half-circle silicone tray (it’s actually used to make baby food!) which made rather large ice cubes and that’s why we used such a big container! But you can choose to make smaller ice cubes, and not add as many colors inside, and use a smaller container. This will also require less oil. 

Does the type of oil you use make a difference in this water and oil experiment? 

Yes, make sure you use vegetable oil as we saw on Capturing Parenthood’s original post that baby oil has a different density than vegetable oil and therefore you won’t see the same results. 

What kind of food coloring should I use?

We recommend this super bright and vibrant water-based food coloring set as you won’t need much to create vibrant shades. You can use other types of food coloring but make sure it is water-based. 

Frozen Lava Lamp Science Experiment – Materials:

Ice cube tray ( this is the one we used which is a bit larger), filtered water.

• Vegetable oil
• Food coloring (water-based)
• Clear container

• Ice cube tray (this is the one we used which is a bit larger)
• Filtered water 

Instructions

• Add water to your ice cube tray and bit of food coloring (however much depends on how vibrant you want the colors). Mix to blend well right in the tray.
• Freeze the cubes until frozen.
• Fil a clear container with vegetable oil. Drop your ice cubes inside. It helps to swirl with a utensil first. The amount of oil depends on the size of your container. Ours was large in width because we wanted to fit 6 large ice cubes inside, but we didn't fill it up all the way since it would have been a waste of oil. We filled it enough to see the effects of the beads forming.
• Slowly watch the ice cubes melt and form colored water globules that travel downward in a mesmerizing pattern!

What happens after the water beads float down to the bottom?

Great question, the globules will remain there but as more of the ice cubes melt, the more the bottom will get muddied as there there will naturally be more water at the bottom and some mixing will occur. Since we used rainbow colors, all these colors coming into contact with each other will create a darker effect. 

You can opt to do only two colors together that you know mix well e.g. yellow + blue to make green. 

What we did as the bottom got muddied is take out a partially melted ice cube and placed it in a smaller container with some more oil, to create mini lava lamps! You can do this with a couple of ice cubes combined. 

Check out more fun science experiments for kids

Giant Rainbow Skittles Experiment 

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment 

Giant Magic Milk Experiment 

Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.

• This Bubble Art Hack Is The Perfect Outdoor Art For Kids!
• How to Make 2 Ingredients Moon Sand - Recipe
• Beautiful Leaf Butterfly Craft - Fun Nature Art For Kids
• Summer Footprint Art With Printable Template

P l a y f u l P a r e n t i n g : Bringing Play to Every Day

Lava Lamp Experiment

Making temporary lava lamps is a fun, colorful and easy science experiment sure to keep your kids engaged and entertained, all while learning about basic chemical reactions. Depending on which products you have in your home, here are instructions for two different ways you can make your own lava lamp at home.

Baking Soda Lava Lamp

• Tall empty jar or bottle
• Baking Soda
• Food coloring
• Vegetable oil

What You’ll Do

• Put a few tablespoons of baking soda at the bottom of the jar.
• Add water until the jar is one-quarter full.
• Add 5-10 drops of food coloring and gently mix all ingredients in the jar to combine.
• Add vegetable oil until the jar is three-quarters full.
• With the jar on a flat surface, slowly add in vinegar one tablespoon at a time. Add more as needed.
• Watch the lava lamp activate!

Antacid Lava Lamp

What You’ll Need

• Antacid tablet
• Fill the jar half-way with vegetable oil.
• Add water until the jar is about three-quarters full.
• Add 5-10 drops of food coloring.
• Break an antacid tablet into several pieces and drop the pieces into the jar one at a time.

Safety Tip! Do NOT put a lid on the jar or bottle while the mixture is active and bubbling.

Add Fun! Do this experiment in a dark room and put a flashlight or other light behind the jar for an extra groovy experience.

What Kids Learn

• Critical Thinking

How to Support the Play

• Ask lots of questions. Especially ones without a yes/no or right/wrong answer. “Why do you think that happened?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
• Remember: There is often more than one “right way” of doing things.
• View mistakes and bumps in the road for what they really are – opportunities to learn.

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

HANDS-ON ARTICLES

Three Fun Static Electricity Experiments to Do at Home

Experimenting with static electricity is a great way to introduce young kids to science and spark their curiosity to learn more.

DIY Paper Tube Xylophone

Get your kids excited about exploring music by making your own paper tube xylophone. Or, make a few and start your own xylophone band!

Build a Gnome Home

Spark your child’s imagination and creative thinking skills by building a whimsical gnome home. Make a single home or an entire village.

Kids love playing with water. But it's not just about the fun of splashing around and getting wet. Kids experiment, explore and discover while playing with water — Does this object float or sink? How does water flow through this funnel? What happens if I fill a cup...

Milk Carton Bird Feeder

Have an empty milk carton on hand? Spark some creativity and fun – and put it to good use – by creating a DIY bird feeder.

DIY Kinetic Sand

Kinetic sand is an easy project that allows kids to explore their senses, build fine motor skills and strengthen their imaginative play muscles.

Take Things Apart

Explore the inner workings of old machines. For Ages: 6 and up

Winter Break Play Activities (Part 1)

Winter break means lots of extra free time for kids. Here are five fun winter craft and activity ideas to keep kids busy for an entire week.

Winter Break Play Activities (Part 2)

We’re keeping the fun going with even more fantastic winter-themed activities to keep kids busy and learning over this long winter break.

Pin It on Pinterest

• 🌸 Macaroni Kid National
• 🍕 Macaroni Kid EATS
• 🚴 Family Wellness
• 🚐 Family Travel
• 🍼 Babies & Tots

DIY Lava Lamp: An Oil & Water Experiment Kids Can Do At Home

All you need is a few common household ingredients for this STEAM fun!

It's time for some at-home science! Making your own lava lamp is a super fun experiment that combines science, art, and a touch of magic. My daughter loved it! 

All you need to make your own lava lamp are a few common household ingredients, and soon you'll have your own bubbling fun. 

Let's get started!

@macaronikidnational STEAM fun with some items you already have at home! Check out #linkinbio for this easy activity with your kiddos! #parentsoftiktok #fyp #foryoupage #kidsactivities #steamactivities #stemlife #kidsplay #momlife #momsoftiktok #lavalamp #diyactivities #diy ♬ I Know You - Faye Webster

What you need:

• Canola or vegetable oil
• Alka-Seltzer tablets
• Measuring cup
• Food coloring
• Glass or jar for each color

Directions:

1. Fill a glass or jar about 1/2 way full with your choice of oil.

2. Add 1/4 cup of water to the glass. Show kids how the oil and water separate and how the water settles at the bottom.

Why don't oil and water mix?

Oil and water don't mix because they have different chemical properties. Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a positive and negative end, while oil molecules are nonpolar. These differences cause them to repel each other, leading to the separation of oil and water into distinct layers.

3. Add 5-10 drops of food coloring to each glass. The food coloring will mix with the water, creating colors that stand out against the oil.

4. Drop an Alka-Seltzer tablet into each mixture and wait for the magic to happen! As the tablet dissolves, it releases carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles rise through the oil, carrying colorful droplets of water along for the ride, creating the lava lamp effect.

Keep the fun going by giving your child more tabs to add to the "lava lamp" throughout the day. 

Ready to get started on making your own DIY lava lamp? Gather your materials and let the magic of science unfold!

Essy Chen is the publisher of  Macaroni KID Chino Hills-Chino-Diamond Bar, Calif.

Meet Your Publisher

Jennifer Hill

Macaroni KID is a hyper-local website/e-newsletter featuring the free or low-cost kid/family-friendly events and happenings in the Hayward and Castro Valley area.

Read More »

• Business Directory
• Publisher Login
• Find my Town
• Macaroni KID National
• About CertifiKID
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy and Editorial Policy
• Advertising

Stay Informed

• Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay Connected

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Never miss a Busy Toddler Newsletter!

Busy Toddler

making it to naps, one activity at a time

Oil and Water Science Experiment for Kids

Best.activity.ever. You’ve got to try this oil and water science experiment.

The unexpected supplies and the unexpected magic .

• Here are the quick and easy supplies

You must MODEL this experiment first

And get ready for the oil and water science experiment magic.

• Use this activity to encourage THINKING and QUESTIONING

Is there a best age for this activity?

Get ready for some oil and water science experiment fun.

It’s an experiment…it’s a fine motor activity… it’s kind of an art activity too? What is this?! It’s an oil and water science experiment and it’s AWESOME.

There is some serious magic at work in this activity.

RELATED: Looking for more easy indoor activities ? Try this amazing list!

There’s so much magic in a childhood science activity – from toddlers to big kids, science = magic and for good reason.

It’s surprising.

It’s engaging.

It’s mysterious.

Science is ripe with the childhood curiosity that our kids are full of. So let’s add this amazing oil and water science experiment to the list!

Looking for more structure each day?

Check out Playing Preschool: Busy Toddler’s 190-day at-home activities program

Here are the quick and easy supplies:

Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy .

• Oil (I use vegetable oil because it’s cheap)
• Food coloring
• Small cups or bowls (these are my favorites for drinking, art, and ice cream)
• Pipettes or syringes (like the ones left over from little kid medicine)

In small cups (clear is best) put 1/2 cup or so of oil. Next to them, put a few cups of water (dyed with food coloring).

The very first time you try this experiment with your child, please model it:

“This is a pipette. I’m going to use it to suck up some of the colorful water. Then I’m going to gently squeeze it into the oil and see what happens.

Let’s try this together.”

RELATED: Need some fun easy toddler activities ? Check out my favorite list!

As we adults know, oil and water have different weight – different density. They DON’T mix.

And the result is epic.

Use this activity to encourage THINKING and QUESTIONING:

“Why is this happening?”

“What do you notice?”

“Can you change the size of the bubbles?”

This activity is all about THINKING. There are so many ways a child can experiment: varying colors, amount of water into oil, the speed. Try stirring the water into the oil and see what happens.

Bottom line: This activity is the COOLEST.

Remember: think STAGES not AGES. This activity is best for ANY child who can use a pipette or a syringe. For my kids, this was between 2-3 years old. My son is 4 in these photos.

**My 11 year old neighbor loves this activity too so remember that there also isn’t an age limit on this activity.

My son acts for this activity weekly. I’m buying oil by the Costco vat.

But you know what? He loves it. He’s learning. And it’s fueling his development and love of science.

Other posts you may like

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe to my free newsletter and I’ll send you “35 Easy Toddler Activities to Break Up the Day!”

Thank you for subscribing!

Never miss a Busy Toddler newsletter!

Oil and Water Science Exploration

We’re definitely adding this oil and water science exploration to our growing list of science experiments for preschoolers . But even older kids will enjoy it too! So if you are looking for a quick and easy science exploration for kids, then you have to check this one out.

Plus, check out this list of our favorite science activities for kids.

My kids (4 and 6 years old) get really excited when I set up a science experiment for them and this activity didn’t disappoint. Who am I kidding? Any time they can squirt water with droppers, they are happy as a clam.

*Note: This experiment is meant to be done with adult supervision. You should always supervise children while doing it.

Totally Cool Oil and Water Science Experiment!

They actually did this oil and water science experiment several times on this particular day and are already talking about doing it again. They still LOVE our lava lamp science experiment best, but this one is definitely a keeper.

It is very simple to set up this activity. You only need a few supplies that you probably already have around the house.

Supplies Needed:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Baby oil or vegetable oil (depends on if you want it to be clear)
• Washable liquid watercolors or food coloring
• Pipettes or droppers

*If you decide to use baby oil and watercolors, make sure your kids won’t put this in their mouths! As always, keep a close eye on your kids any time that you are doing a science experiment.

• Put water in several cups and add food coloring or liquid watercolors to the water. Then stir to combine.
• Place a pipette in each colored glass of water.
• Fill a cup about half way with oil.

Now let the kids have fun exploring oil and water!

While enjoying this science exploration kids will explore how oil and water do not mix together. For young children, there is no need to fully explain the concept behind it, but it is a great start to simply explore the two liquids and see how they behave when mixed together.

For kids in early elementary you can explain that oil molecules are only attracted to other oil molecules and water molecules are attracted to water molecules. So they don’t mix together. The reason the oil floats on top is because the oil is less dense than water.

Check out some more oil and water science investigations!

Lava Lamp Science Experiment

Two Color Oil and Water Discovery Bottles from Play Trains

Ocean in a Bottle Sensory Bottle from Happy Hooligans

Benefits of Science Experiments for Kids

Science experiments help foster curiosity, ignite children’s imagination and help nurture a love for learning!

1. Hands-On Learning

When young kids actively engage in experiments, the tactile nature of experiments allows them to visualize abstract ideas, fostering comprehension that traditional teaching methods might struggle to achieve.

2. Cultivating Critical Thinking

Through engaging in science experiments, children refine their skills in observing, analyzing, and incorporating new information.

3. Fostering Creativity

When children witness unexpected outcomes, they are prompted to think creatively and to experiment with new strategies.

4. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

The newfound confidence from successful results will have a positive ripple effect, encouraging them to tackle new challenges with enthusiasm.

5. Real-Life Application

Science experiments showcase how the principles are applied in real-world situations.

6. Improved Fine Motor Skills

Engagement in science experiments is a fun way for kids to work on fine motor skills.

7. Bonding and Collaborative Learning

Science experiments can become wonderful bonding experiences for families, friends, and classmates.

Science experiments offer amazing benefits for kids while being fun and engaging!

Here are some more of our favorite science experiments!

This oobleck recipe is so much fun for kids! You just need two ingredients and the correct ratios to make it!

If your kids love candy, they’ll really enjoy this Skittles rainbow science activity .

This magic pepper and soap  science experiment is fun and super easy to do! Add it to your  preschool  or kindergarten  science lesson  plans.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• MEMBER LOGIN

Hands On As We Grow®

Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Easy DIY Lava Lamp Science Experiment for Kids

Science Preschoolers Experiment Water Activities 66 Comments

Lava lamps are simple to make. Like crazy easy.

My kids love experimenting! And I love watching them discover the world through science and creativity.

Even I was shocked at what a big hit this easy DIY lava lamp science experiment was with the boys. Just 5 simple supplies are all you need to DIY your own!

To DIY your own lava lamp science experiment, you’ll needL

• Vegetable oil (or get a clear oil)
• Food coloring of your choice
• Alka-Seltzer Tablets  (as many as you choose, the more the merrier!)
• Clear container (the taller and skinnier, the better the effect)

Don’t have Alka Seltzer? See how to make a lava lamp without Alka Seltzer!

4 Simple Steps to Science Fun & Fizzies

• Fill the container with 2 parts oil, 1 part water, leaving some room at the top of the container for a little bit of bubbling
• Drop in a few drops of food coloring
• Add an Alka-Selzer Tablet, start with 1/4 or a half a tablet to begin with
• Watch is fizz and bubble up to the top!

We did three containers of lava lamps. Three different colors, for triple the lava fun!

It took a lot of oil, though. I wish I had more on hand because I didn’t quite have 2/3 for each container.

The oil is essentially the lava lamp portion, so it would have been nice to have more of it. But it still worked!

I also wish I had clear oil on hand instead of vegetable oil. But I’m not sure what kind of oil besides baby oil is clear. Any suggestions?

Henry dropped in tablet after tablet. Over and over, watching it bubble up! 

He used the entire box of Alka-Selzer just for this experiment!

The green one really captured his attention. 

Maybe because it’s his favorite color. Or maybe because it was the tallest and skinniest, so it had the best reactions.

Have more colorful science fun with an easy magic milk experiment !

It was even interesting from the top of the bottles. Or, at least Henry thought so.

Once we were starting to run out of Alka-Selzer tablets, we started combining the colors and making them bubble together.

We were surprised to see that the colored bubbled remained separate!

Instead of red bubbles mixing with blue bubbles to make purple, everything stayed red or blue. Cool, huh?!?!

Can you see the little red ones in the mix of the big blue bubbles?

We tend to do a lot of science in our house, with tons of easy experiments happening all the time.

The boys love anything that fizzes and bubbles. We also really like this baking soda and colored vinegar science experiment for kids.

What’s your favorite science experiment to do with the kids? Share your ideas in the comments!

About jamie reimer.

Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram !

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

Reader Interactions

66 comments.

September 26, 2023 at 11:38 am

Since oil and water separate, you can actually save the oil and use it for future lava lamps. Also, I recommend Alka Seltzer Gold, which has no aspirin.

Pedro walker says

March 25, 2021 at 12:52 am

PeoplePerProjectCom says

May 21, 2020 at 9:57 pm

There are a few different options for making your lava lamp so you can pick the option that works best with your readily available supplies, but let s start with a complete supply list for all the different options. Then you can try them all and see what works best for you!

Elsabe Kruger says

March 2, 2020 at 9:29 pm

Great idea, thank you! Avocado oil is totally clear!

Ivy Bell says

December 31, 2019 at 12:12 pm

I use mineral oil as a good clear, colorless oil. Find it in the pharmacy department.

March 7, 2015 at 4:29 pm

Baby Oil is made of just mineral oil and fragrance. So, mineral oil is just fragrance-free baby oil.

Aleigha says

February 14, 2015 at 9:12 am

What would the age group for the children for this project?

Jamie Reimer says

February 14, 2015 at 11:00 am

I think anywhere from 2 on up can take part in it Aleigha. Just depends on how much you want them to take part. Little kids can just drop the tablet in – that’s the fun part!

abbiee says

February 5, 2015 at 10:19 pm

the ocean waves in a bottle….love that one…

Veronica says

October 22, 2014 at 10:32 am

Would like to try this out, but wondering what do you do with it when the kids are done playing with it? Can you use baby oil instead of cooking oil?

October 22, 2014 at 12:50 pm

Veronica — discard it just like you would the grease from meat that you brown. Yes, you can use baby oil – that would actually have a better look because its clear.

May 9, 2014 at 12:31 am

So in love with this idea. We’ll try coconut oil, there are bunch of them in Thailand. ^^

MARIEL says

May 7, 2014 at 9:38 pm

IT DIDNT WORK.

May 8, 2014 at 11:02 am

Hmmm.. well that’s a bummer Mariel! How come it didn’t work?

May 7, 2014 at 8:48 am

Just a quick question how and where to dispose of the experiment when done?

Heather says

April 3, 2014 at 2:09 pm

You asked about alternative CLEAR OIL to use. I was a teacher of toddlers and preschoolers. MINERAL OIL is clear, cheap, and works. You can find it in pharmacy sections of stores where the laxatives are found. It is meant for possible ingestion so if accidentally swallowed or comes in contact with little mouths.. it is ok… Hope this helps.

April 3, 2014 at 9:22 pm

Thanks Heather! I’ll grab some when I get the Alka-Selzers again! That’s easy enough!

March 10, 2014 at 12:26 pm

Greta idea – looks like so much fun! I can’t wait to try it with my grandchildren! I found bulk white, food grade mineral oil online for only $13.97 for 7 1/2 lbs – and they had even larger, as well. Might be worth the effort for continued explorations!

gemma chadwick says

March 10, 2014 at 4:59 am

I’m sure that Safflower oil (can get in most larger supermarkets) is almost water like in colour bit more expensive than vegetable oil but effects would be great x

Haylie says

December 2, 2013 at 10:33 am

can you use a pop bottle so you can have a lid?

Amanda says

November 20, 2013 at 9:42 pm

Try it with neon food coloring, turn off the lights and then sit the bottle (we use water bottles) on top of a flashlight! Very cool effect. Don’t put the lid back on though until you are through bc it’ll stop your fizzy action. :). We also discovered that the less you shake it, the cooler it looks.

November 28, 2013 at 9:26 pm

Oh very cool. Definitely going on our to do list.

Jen smith says

November 12, 2013 at 11:35 pm

Coconut oil is clear. If you get the one that melts at a lower temp it should work great. I have a 70 or 75 degree one that never gets solid unless I put it in the fridge. :) this is a cute idea!

November 13, 2013 at 10:02 pm

Great tip Jen! Never thought of Coconut oil!

November 11, 2013 at 7:12 am

I have done this for years, but without the Alka Seltzer (very cool addition). This is great to do in empty water bottles, and you can glue the lid shut. My daughter loved this as a baby and still loves her “wave bottle” as a toddler. I can’t wait to do it again as a science project with the Alka Seltzer!

November 13, 2013 at 10:05 pm

Love the simplified version as a sensory bottle for toddlers Amy!

Inez19 says

May 14, 2013 at 1:19 am

Can I use small plastic soda bottles or the liter size ones?

May 14, 2013 at 6:45 am

Inez, I think either would work just fine, just change up the amounts accordingly.

Kaylee says

January 18, 2013 at 11:17 am

Great project! I had a question…does it really matter what material the bottles are? I’m planning on doing this with my preschool class, and I’m debating whether to stock up on glass bottles/containers, or if I can get away with plastic. Thanks!

January 18, 2013 at 12:39 pm

Oh, I think plastic would work just fine. As long as they’re clear. And taller, skinnier bottles work best!

October 18, 2012 at 10:30 am

This looks amazing! My daughter is constantly asking for more science projects and I think she will love this. :)

October 17, 2012 at 6:46 pm

Just did this with my kids. They loved it! Thanks!

blackpaws says

February 1, 2012 at 12:50 am

Thanks for this! Emily loved this experiment and like your Henry she kept looking from the top of the bottle to watch the reaction.

I used aspro clear and baby oil so not sure if that is why we had mostly little bubbles of lava but still fun to watch. Emily kept wanting to add more and to shake.

http://blackpaws.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/more-l-craft/

Oh, How Happy We Are says

January 22, 2012 at 10:11 pm

Charlotte: says

January 22, 2012 at 4:59 pm

Oh yeah, we need to do this! I have such a mental block when it comes to science-y things but I think this looks ace

January 22, 2012 at 1:51 pm

Wonderful idea! Can't wait to try this out with my little guy.

January 20, 2012 at 11:49 am

Great idea, I love the bright colours you made.

Science Sparks says

January 19, 2012 at 10:12 pm

Oh lava lamps are fab! it was one of our first experiments! Yours are so colourful. Brilliant!

Thanks for linking to science sparks fun sparks!

The Iowa Farmer's Wife says

January 19, 2012 at 2:42 pm

this is so neat! I'm buying alka selzer today! :) I have a huge bottle of vegetable oil I need to use up. Mineral oil is also clear, but I've only seen it in small bottles. I'm sure it comes larger though!

Jill @ A Mom With A Lesson Plan says

January 19, 2012 at 2:04 pm

One of my goals for this year is to get over my fear of science! This one would be awesome… and easy!

Jamie @ hands on : as we grow says

January 18, 2012 at 9:58 pm

@Rosie – as long as you have Alka Seltzer Tablets, you can keep adding to it! The vinegar/water will stay good for as long as you want!

January 18, 2012 at 9:52 pm

how long does it last? do you have to throw it away after ur done?

Melissa @ The Chocolate Muffin Tree says

January 17, 2012 at 10:10 pm

Great post! I love that your ad above is advertising real lava lamps!

Raising a Happy Child says

January 17, 2012 at 8:40 pm

It was on my "to do" list for a long time! So pretty.

Chrissy @ The Outlaw Mom Blog says

January 17, 2012 at 5:38 pm

My kids will absolutely love this! Can't wait to try it!

Anna @ The Imagination Tree says

January 17, 2012 at 5:10 pm

gorgeous pics!! definitely on our to-do list!

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas says

January 17, 2012 at 1:23 pm

aww, thanks for mentioning us! What fabulous photos you got of the reactions!

Also I found that the cheaper ($$$) the oil the clearer it was. I got a cheapy, cheapy one and it was not as yellow and worked perfectly – just a tip to test for next time!

Cerys @ Rainy Day Mum says

January 17, 2012 at 1:15 pm

This looks a lot of fun will try it when J is a little bit older I think

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What Parents Have to Say…

Shop ebooks of activities.

Get activity plans delivered to your inbox, every week!

Activities that hands-on parents absolutely love.

Why Routines for Kids are Important

Make a Color Sorting Sensory Bag with Your Kids: Super Easy & Squishy

Improve Kids Fine Motor Skills with 30 Materials & Activities

Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers: The Top 35!

What Toddler Crafts & Art Projects Can We Do? 30 Ideas

35 Name Activities For Preschoolers

Get started having fun with your kids.

PLAN THE FUN WITH THE FREE KIDS ACTIVITIES PLANNER! AND RECEIVE ACTIVITIES EVERY WEEK!

• Preschoolers
• Kindergartners
• Grade School
• Literacy & ABCs
• Math & 123s
• Art Projects
• Gross Motor
• Shop Activity Plans
• Member Login

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Amazon Favorites
• Search this website

A Dab of Glue Will Do

Little Learners, Big Ideas

PS PK K 1 2

Oil and Water Science Activity

I'd love it if you shared!

• Facebook 12
• Pinterest 4.7K

Kids in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade learn simple and fundamental science concepts from performing this oil and water science activity . Learn why oil and water do not mix and thrill the kids by creating gorgeous food coloring fireworks in a jar.

Getting the Oil and Water Experiment Ready

We headed into the kitchen to gather the following supplies:

• Clear container
• Vegetable oil
• Food coloring

We filled our clear container about 3/4 full of water. We used a tall vase, but any kind of clear cup, jar, or bowl will work.

The kids added a layer of vegetable oil to the vase. We noted how oil and water don’t mix and how all of the oil floated on top of the water layer.

Doing the Oil and Water Science Experiment

The kids chose a few colors to add to the oil and water. Carefully, they squeezed one drop at a time into the vase. We dropped about 6 drops of food coloring of various colors into the vase.

Next, we waited. We noticed how the food coloring beaded up into little droplets that hovered in the oil layer, right above the layer of water. The kids kept asking when or if something else was going to happen and I kept telling them to be patient and wait without disturbing the vase.

Within a couple of minutes the waiting paid off. Without any warning, one drop of food coloring suddenly fell into the water layer, leaving a colored trail behind. The kids were so excited!

One by one, each droplet of food coloring burst through the oil layer and mixed into the water . Watching the trail of colors spread and mix was the best part!

The Science Behind Mixing Oil and Water

This is such a simple science experiment, but it teaches big, important concepts!

First, it is easy to observe how oil and water do not mix , no matter how much they are stirred. This is because oil is made of carbon and hydrogen atoms that form non polar chemical bonds. Water is made of oxygen and hydrogen atoms that form polar chemical bonds. It’s pretty advanced chemistry for a 5 or 6-year-old! The important part is that oil and water are made of different kinds of chemical bonds that prevent them from mixing.

Food coloring is water-based so it will only dissolve in the water layer. The drops of food coloring bead up in the oil layer and rest between the oil and water until gravity eventually pulls it down into the lower water layer. Once it bursts into the water layer it immediately starts to mix in and spread out. This creates a spectacular fireworks effect!

It’s also easy to observe how oil floats on top of water . Oil is less dense than water, meaning that it will always end up on top, no matter which liquid is added first.

Doing science with this oil and water science activity is a fun and educational way to learn!

More Science Activities and Ideas

Walking Water Science for Kids

Science Notebook

Plants Unit

Want science planned for you ALL YEAR LONG?!

Do you want science planned for the ENTIRE CALENDAR YEAR !? This Endless Science Mega Bundle will save you so much time and keep your students engaged and excited about learning . This amazing resource contains 53 science topics  including  life science , physical science , earth science , and animal studies .

You May Also Enjoy These Posts

Reader Interactions

20 comments.

April 19, 2022 at 12:46 am

Good information. Lucky me I ran across your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve saved as a favorite for later!

April 19, 2022 at 9:20 pm

This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Cheers!

April 19, 2022 at 11:31 pm

Right here is the right website for everyone who wishes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a topic that has been written about for decades. Great stuff, just great!

April 20, 2022 at 4:54 am

This is the right webpage for anybody who would like to understand this topic.

You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been discussed for ages. Excellent stuff, just excellent!

April 23, 2022 at 10:57 pm

This is the right website for anybody who really wants to understand this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that’s been written about for ages. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

April 24, 2022 at 9:47 pm

Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before but after going through some of the articles I realized it’s new to me.

Anyways, I’m certainly happy I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

April 28, 2022 at 4:59 am

I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this information for my mission.

May 2, 2022 at 7:35 am

Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you so much, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody having similar RSS problems? Anybody who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks!!

May 2, 2022 at 7:59 am

Hello to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this weblog; this webpage includes remarkable and genuinely fine material designed for visitors.

[…] Oil and Water Science Activity […]

[…] Oil and Water […]

[…] Kids in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade learn simple and fundamental science concepts from performing this oil and water science activity.. Read more at adabofgluewilldo.com […]

[…] OIL AND WATER SCIENCE EXPERIMENT From A Dab Of Glue Will Do […]

[…] EXPERIÊNCIA DE CIÊNCIA DE PETRÓLEO E ÁGUA com um pouco de cola serve […]

[…] Source: adabofgluewilldo.com […]

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

25 Amazing Science Experiments with Food Color

• October 24, 2020
• Science Experiments

Here is a list of Food Color Science Experiments that you can try at home with your kids.

The STEM activities, experiments and science lesson plans that will help you teach amazing science concepts to kids, even if you’ve never stepped foot in a lab.

Science Experiments with Food Color

All the experiments are simple science activities but with really great effects and good scientific concepts. Have a look!

1. Rainbow in a Jar Water Density Experiment

Water science is amazing and experimenting with water and food color using simple kitchen ingredients offers a great science experiment that teaches water density in a jar. Rainbow in a jar water density science experiment makes great play activity and an amazing science lesson too! Enjoy finding out about the basics of color mixing all the way up to the density of liquids with this one simple water density experiment.

Have a look at the colorful sugar water density activity, fun science experiments for kids: Rainbow in a Jar Water Density Experiment

2. Science Experiment with Water Oil and Food Color

We decided to make fireworks at home. Did you hear it right? Yes, you did. At home DIY explosives. But do not panic as they are as safe to make and can be played by little ones. In addition, you could teach density science to kids. Does that sound exciting? We decided to make two difference density science experiments to teach my daughters. Believe me, you will become a kid when you see the results. You will start loving to do this quite often. We did not buy any expensive things but used only the items available at home. The best part – you can do both these experiments in less than ten minutes.

Are you interested in this awesome science activity? Check out for more details here: Science Experiment with Water Oil and Food Color

3. Science Experiment with Milk and Food Color

Here is another most preferred and easiest science experiment that you can try at home using a few simple kitchen ingredients from your home. The best part is, it just takes minutes to set up the experiment table and finishes in minutes to see the amazing results. Toddlers, pre-schoolers, and even kindergarten children can work on this. Best for 5-6 year old or older children to explain the various science concepts of surface tension, chemistry, forces, and properties of matter.

Do you want try this simple and easy science activity? Here we go with the complete description of the experiment here: Science Experiment with Milk and Food Color

4. Science Experiment with Food Color and Flowers

Does flowers change color with food colors? Wondering how? You can now change the flower color at home and at any time during the year. Let’s try this natural science experiment with white roses and Let us understand the science behind this experiment. Absorption of water in flowers/plants is the scientific concept kids can learn in a fun way while investigating this super simple science experiment. This experiment can be done with  preschoolers  and they will love to make their hands colorful too.  Other kids including  Kindergarteners  and  7 – 9-year-old kids  can do this experiment, not just for fun but to learn some science as well. They can change the variables and see the changes in the results.

Check out for full details of the experiment here: Science Experiment with Food Color and Flowers

5. Science Experiment with Food Color and Fizzy Tablets

Things that fizz are always sound interesting and mysterious too for kids especially pre-schoolers. Today let’s clear the question marks on our kid’s faces when they see fizzy things with another wonderful density science experiment. This is a super fun and simple experiment to explain kids about the fizzy science and density of liquids. Density is a good concept to be explained for older kids. So the experiment would be well suited for kids of 5 to 6 year olds or older kids of aged 7+

Let’s get into the lava lamp experiment here: Science Experiment with Food Color and Fizzy Tablets

6. Science Experiment with Food Color and Baking Soda

Volcano making can be a lot of fun for a summer family project. This fizzy science experiment gives young children an exciting and learning experience as they watch and learn about incredible geological formations while experimenting volcano. This is a perfect activity for 3-4 year olds, 5-6 year olds and up. Even pre-schoolers can enjoy the activity by watching.

Find more details about this super fun and easy experiments here: Science Experiment with Food Color and Baking Soda

7. Celery with Food Coloring Science Experiment

This easy science experiment with Celery and Food Color is a fantastic fun for kids of all ages. All you need is full a celery plant, food colouring and water to explore simple biology. Super easy supplies and set up for simple biology. Explore capillary action or the process of water moving upward through thin tubes in the plant’s stem. It defies gravity! Biology is always fascinating for kids because it’s all about the living world around us. Activities like this celery osmosis science experiment show us how living cells move water. 

Let’s get started with this simple kid’s-friendly science experiment to demonstrate osmosis: Celery with Food Coloring Science Experiment

8. Cool Walking Water Science Experiment

Let your kids have a lot of fun with this summer science project! Summer is the perfect time to get the kids excited with a hands on activity! The Walking Water experiment is super easy to set up and has a big wow factor.  Kids can watch the colored water walk along paper towels and fill an empty glass. It’s very cool! This cool walking water science experiment gives young children an exciting and learning experience as they watch and learn about incredible capillary action of moving water.

Want to see how cool it is for yourself? Watch it in action! Click on Cool Walking Water Science Experiment

9. Science Experiment with Ice Salt Food Color

If the kids don’t care too much for all of that science stuff, this still makes for an interesting, non-toxic and fun activity. This is such a fun and beautiful activity that is perfect for Pre-school aged Children and above! It’s a fun ice and salt experiment that is low prep and low cost too! These ice sculptures catch the sunlight so beautifully too! 

This was such a fun activity for my kids, I hope you give it a try too! For full details of this experiment, click on: Science Experiment with Ice Salt Food Color

10. Rain Cloud Science Experiment

Here is a super simple science experiment that teaches children about clouds and rain. It’s great fun to do at home or in the classroom and this rain cloud science experiment only uses commonly found ingredients. This is a perfect activity for 3-4 year olds, 5-6 year olds and up. Even preschoolers can enjoy the activity by watching.

Super simple and using only a few commonly found ingredients, I knew we had to give it a go. It might just explain the concept of rain as a visual representation. Click on Rain Cloud Science Experiment

11. Absorbing Experiment with Food Color and Sugar Cubes

We often observe some things absorb water like sponges, underpants, etc. Through this super cool science experiment, we are trying an absorbing experiment with a twist and trying to halt the process as a way of investigating which materials absorb water and which don’t! Can you try to predict which material will stop the water spreading through the cubes the best? Want to know your predictions are correct or went wrong? Check out Absorbing Experiment with Food Color and Sugar Cubes to know and learn more details about this cool classic experiment in detail.

12. Simple Color Mixing Science Experiments for Preschoolers

Simple and a very few ingredients from your kitchen can fascinate your children amazingly while learning simple science involved. Simple color mixing science experiment helps children learn the properties of colors while making something attractive. Best suitable for pre-schoolers, kindergarten, and even toddlers.

Get the simple step-by-step ingredients required to do this experiment hasslefree: Click on Simple Color Mixing Science Experiments for Pre-schoolers

13. Does the Color of Water Affect Its Temperature?

Does the color of water affect its temperature? This simple science experiment is a fun way to learn a little more about the light spectrum. We experience light every day but we don’t often think about why we see certain colors or how these colors might affect the temperature of a liquid. In this simple experiment, kids will learn a little more about light reflection and absorption and how colors relate to thermal energy. Learn about the light spectrum and the various heat absorption levels of different colored liquids in this fun science experiment! Click on Does the Color of Water Affect Its Temperature?

14. Science Experiment: Changing Ants Colors!

Ant science experiments are loads of fun and perfect for spring and summer time!  This unique science project is totally safe for both your kiddos and the ants too! Ghost ants can be a nuisance, but outside they can also provide hours of educational opportunities. And the best part is that you already have the supplies at home!  It’s the perfect ant experiment!

Do you want have fun play with ants while learning little science? Check out: Science Experiment: Changing Ants Colors!

15. Science Experiment with Food Color to Create Water Cycle in a Bottle

Make your child’s play or free time exciting and creative with this super cool, simple and easy science activity of creating water cycle in a bottle. Easy to set-up, investigate, and easy to rinse away! This spring, make this easy  water cycle in a bottle science experiment  with your class to illustrate how the water cycle works up close and personal. Kids will love making their own water biomes in a bottle and will be fascinated to watch the water turn into a gas, turn back into a liquid, and fall back into the bottom of the bottle.

Check out for more information of the experiment in detail: Science Experiment with Food Color to Create Water Cycle in a Bottle

16. Make an Orange Volcano Science Experiment

Showing kids about chemistry science concepts is not too hard anymore! Here is the fascinating experiment that teaches kids about how exothermic chemical reactions work using a few kitchen and household items in an easy and educational way. Also it shows a great demonstration on how chemical reactions work out by creating all sorts of fun fall themed activity. Children in grades 3-4 and even older children can have a great visual witness on creating density column.

With just a few inexpensive supplies, you too can make your own orange volcanoes too. Trust us, the kids will LOVE these! And so will you! Check out Make an Orange Volcano Science Experiment

17. Hot and Cold Temperature Science Experiment with Food Color

Kids are very familiar and love to play with colored water but this time we are going to make their playful activity more fun and interesting by introducing them to cold and hot temperature waters. Kids will be fascinated to learn the science behind this amazing reaction between hot and cold temperature water. It can be used for imaginative and sensory play. This is the perfect sensory activity for 3-4 year olds and 5-6 year olds. But how can we do that super classic science experiment? Check out here for complete instructions of this cool science experiment: Hot and Cold Temperature Science Experiment with Food Color

18. Science Experiment with Plants and Food Color

Food color plus water plus plants is an awesome combination to show how plants absorb water! This is a great science activity which is pretty cool to watch colors change. In this experiment, food color and cabbage leaves are used amazingly to show the kids how plants absorb water and nutrients up through their stems. Also, this experiment is done using white flowers too to extend the experiment and make the concept easily understandable by the kids.

Get more details of the experiment by just clicking on Science Experiment with Plants and Food Color

19. Squirt Gun Volcanoes using Food Color Science Experiment

Children find playing with squirt guns and different color liquids fun and exciting! Let us make their interest of playing with these items, a science lesson or activity in order to inspire them towards learning simple science concepts by investigating this easy and simple science activity of creating volcanoes. Kindergarten, pre-schoolers, and toddlers enjoy watching revealing colors whereas older kids investigate and learn the simple science concept of chemical reactions.

Check out this fantastic simple science experiment with step-by-step instructions here: Squirt Gun Volcanoes using Food Color Science Experiment

20. Convection in Glass Science Experiment with Food Color and Glasses

Have you ever fascinated to perform a simple science activity using CD’s, glass jars, and food color? Though it is a new combination of supplies to do a science experiment but we can do an amazing science activity with these simple supplies that are easily available in our home along with some other kitchen hold items and a magical ingredient, food color. Kids get a change to extend the experiment using other types of liquid solutions. Sounds interesting and exciting right? Check out for full description of this amazing science activity here: Convection in Glass Science Experiment with Food Color and Glasses

21. Food Color Diffusion in Different Temperatures of Water

A great visual demonstration that shows and explains kids about how food colors diffuse in different temperatures of water! This is an awesome indoor and outdoor science fair project, gives young and older children an exciting and learning experience as they get an opportunity to watch and observe the outcome results while experimenting with food colors.

This experiment can be done with pre-schoolers not only to have a lot of fun in making their hands colorful but also to introduce them to the little and simple science concepts. Other kids including Kindergarteners and 7 – 9-year-old kids can do this experiment, not just for fun but to learn some science as well.

Before you start with this awesome science experiment, you need to go through the full description of this science activity here: Food Color Diffusion in Different Temperatures of Water

Want to convert your kitchen as a little science lab? If you are a home schooling parent or a teacher searching for kid-friendly and fun filled science activities and experiments, then you are at the right place. Food color either in the form of powder or liquid, it is inexpensive, nontoxic and easy to find at the grocery store making it perfect for science experiments with young and older children. When you are using food coloring for science experiments make sure that everyone is wearing old clothes and cover your work area with newspapers or plastic since food coloring can stain.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

Science at Home for Kids

Easy and fun science experiments using household items! Follow us on Instagram @scienceathomekids for more cool science!

Rainbow Rain

This rainbow experiment is so cool, and I hope it will blow your minds as much as it did mine. Watching the bursts of color fall through the water is so mesmerizing, and I would watch it all day if I could. I hope you enjoy this experiment!

What you need:

• Food coloring

• Pour the oil into a bowl and add your favorite colors of food coloring.

• Using the spoon, stir together all the droplets of food coloring. Make sure to do the next step quickly so the droplets do not start combining to form one big, black blob of food coloring.

• Fill the jar with water.

• Pour the oil and food coloring into the jar. Wait a couple seconds, and then watch your rainbow rain fall throughout the jar!

What caused this rainbow rain?

Water and oil cannot mix because water is polar while oil is not. Food coloring is water based, which means it is made with water. When you pour the food coloring into the oil, it cannot mix with the oil. When you pour the food coloring and oil into the water, the food coloring separates from the oil and mixes with the water.

Really enjoyed this article, can you make it so I get an alert email when you write a new article?

Wonderful post, very informative! I wonder why I haven’t noticed this website before. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

Good post! I always love trying out your posts with my children. We always have a blast!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Experiments
• Fascinating Facts
• Tips, Tricks & More

Food Coloring Experiment | How Can I Make Underwater Fireworks

The word fireworks is often tagged with another word, ‘caution’. Yes, it is dangerous for kids to handle fireworks. But in this food coloring experiment , we are going to see something similar to a firework, but which does not require any caution. All kids can create this firework, regardless of their age. This simple aquatic fireworks experiment will help kids to understand the concept of density in the simplest manner.

Materials required

Oil – 1 tablespoon Food color – 1 teaspoon (any color) Small cup – 1 Tall transparent glass jar – 1 Small spoon – 1 Water – Enough to fill the jar

Steps to follow

• Pour the oil into the cup.
• Add few drops of the food color to the oil in the cup. Stir the oil and food color using the spoon. Break the big drops of food color into smaller drops, but don’t mix thoroughly.
• Fill water in the glass jar. Do not fill it to the brim. There has to be some space on top.
• Now add the mixture of food color and oil to the glass jar.
• Make sure that the mixture is added slowly.
• Wait for a few seconds. What do we see?
• Oil remains on top. But food color droplets sink to the bottom of the jar.
• As each droplet sinks, it expands to create an underwater firework effect.

What we learn

This underwater magic explains how objects with different density behave differently. When food color is mixed with oil, it does not dissolve. By stirring with spoon, we break down the big drops of color into smaller drops. Once this mixture is poured into water, the story changes entirely.

As we all know, oil and water will not mix. Oil is less dense than water, so it floats over the water. But this is not the case with food color. It is denser than oil and water. So it detaches from oil and sinks to the bottom of water.

Food color is soluble in water. So the color droplets expand, till they completely dissolve in water. This creates the effect of a tiny underwater firework. After a while, we will have colored water in the jar. So observe carefully for the first few minutes after adding the mixture, or you miss the magic.

Explore our Experiments section for more interesting experiments.

Here’s Something You Might Like

As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, Science4Kids may earn from qualifying purchases.

Recent Posts

Amazing Science Experiment With Cinnamon Powder

The Three Largest Deserts In The World

Indian Independence Day Quiz – An Exciting Quiz For All Ages

‘Fantastic Giant Tortoise’ Not Extinct?

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

• FREE Experiments
• Kitchen Science
• Climate Change
• Egg Experiments
• Fairy Tale Science
• Edible Science
• Human Health
• Inspirational Women
• Forces and Motion
• Science Fair Projects
• STEM Challenges
• Science Sparks Books
• Contact Science Sparks
• Science Resources for Home and School

Colourful Jar Experiment

October 31, 2022 By Emma Vanstone 5 Comments

This lovely, colourful science experiment is super easy to set up and carry out but looks amazing! As well as being fun to watch it’s also great for learning about density ( the oil layer floats on top of the water ) and diffusion ( as the food colouring spreads out through the water layer).

You’ll need

A jar or glass

Food Colouring

Instructions

Fill the glass or jar about ¾ full of warm water

Carefully pour a small layer of oil onto the surface of the water and leave it to settle. Note that oil and water don’t mix !

Use a pipette to carefully drop small amounts of food colouring into the jar. You should see the food colouring drop through the oil into the water leaving colourful trails behind.

Why do oil and water not mix?

Water is a polar molecule – its structure means that it has a positive charge at one end and a negative charge at the other. Water molecules stick together because the positive end of one water molecule is attracted to the negative end of another. The structure of an oil molecule structure is different – it is non-polar, which means its charge is more evenly spread out. Oil is hydrophobic (water fearing) so it tries to get as far away from water as possible.

Why does oil sit on top of the water?

The reason that oil rests on top of the water rather than underneath is because oil is less dense than water.

Why does food colouring not mix with oil?

The food colouring we used was water based and therefore does not mix with the oil, but sinks through the oil into the water below. Surface tension between water molecules pulls the food colouring into the sphere shapes you see in the oil.

Why does the food colouring leave trails?

Since the addition of the colouring makes the food colouring heavier than the water it sinks to the bottom leaving trails (resembling fireworks) as some of the colour diffuses into the water.

More Science Experiments with Water

Rookie Parenting has a brilliant travelling water demonstration .

Try my easy density trick using salt , water and food colouring.

Discover the best material for waterproofing a dinosaur !

Or, try one of my many other water science experiments for kids !

Last Updated on November 13, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

June 17, 2018 at 10:49 am

These are awesome experiments! I do science day at a camp ground during the summer. I can’t wait to try some of these. My kids will be very busy during the winter!

June 17, 2018 at 11:21 am

This looks great. I can’t wait to try this.

February 25, 2023 at 1:54 pm

May I please share this on my Caney Valley Reading and Math Resource Page when we have Virtual Days. Nancy Jamison Title 1 Reading & Math Intervention Specialist and Gifted & Talented Specialist [email protected]

February 26, 2023 at 7:59 pm

April 03, 2023 at 12:48 am

Just did this with my daughter. She put way too many drops in so it’s just a dark cup of water with oil on top which she keeps dipping her fingers into. She gets excited. She tried to use the entire bottle of food coloring instead of a couple drops at a time. She gets excited. 9/10 would definitely recommend

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

NEW: Classroom Clean-Up/Set-Up Email Course! 🧽

72 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand

Because science doesn’t have to be complicated.

If there is one thing that is guaranteed to get your students excited, it’s a good science experiment! While some experiments require expensive lab equipment or dangerous chemicals, there are plenty of cool projects you can do with regular household items. We’ve rounded up a big collection of easy science experiments that anybody can try, and kids are going to love them!

Easy Chemistry Science Experiments

Easy physics science experiments, easy biology and environmental science experiments, easy engineering experiments and stem challenges.

1. Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow! Tip: Have extra Skittles on hand so your class can eat a few!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

2. Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

3. Make a volcano erupt

This classic experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid), which produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.

Learn more: Best Volcano Experiments

4. Make elephant toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” Tip: Add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for plastic bottles.

5. Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

6. Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

7. Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test. Have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

8. Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table! This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

9. Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

10. Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

11. Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results! This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

12. Mix up some slime

Tell kids you’re going to make slime at home, and watch their eyes light up! There are a variety of ways to make slime, so try a few different recipes to find the one you like best.

13. Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

14. Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

15. Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

16. Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done!

17. Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips! Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

18. Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

19. Pull an egg into a bottle

This classic easy science experiment never fails to delight. Use the power of air pressure to suck a hard-boiled egg into a jar, no hands required.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle

20. Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school. The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases when you fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda.

21 Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid-base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

22. Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste-and-toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

23. Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog! No need for canopic jars , just grab some baking soda and get started.

24. Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

25. Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

26. Create dancing popcorn

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

27. Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Soda Explosion

28. Send a teabag flying

Hot air rises, and this experiment can prove it! You’ll want to supervise kids with fire, of course. For more safety, try this one outside.

Learn more: Flying Tea Bags

29. Create magic milk

This fun and easy science experiment demonstrates principles related to surface tension, molecular interactions, and fluid dynamics.

Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment

30. Watch the water rise

Learn about Charles’s Law with this simple experiment. As the candle burns, using up oxygen and heating the air in the glass, the water rises as if by magic.

Learn more: Rising Water

31. Learn about capillary action

Kids will be amazed as they watch the colored water move from glass to glass, and you’ll love the easy and inexpensive setup. Gather some water, paper towels, and food coloring to teach the scientific magic of capillary action.

Learn more: Capillary Action

32. Give a balloon a beard

Equally educational and fun, this experiment will teach kids about static electricity using everyday materials. Kids will undoubtedly get a kick out of creating beards on their balloon person!

Learn more: Static Electricity

33. Find your way with a DIY compass

Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle, float it on the water’s surface, and it will always point north.

Learn more: DIY Compass

34. Crush a can using air pressure

Sure, it’s easy to crush a soda can with your bare hands, but what if you could do it without touching it at all? That’s the power of air pressure!

35. Tell time using the sun

While people use clocks or even phones to tell time today, there was a time when a sundial was the best means to do that. Kids will certainly get a kick out of creating their own sundials using everyday materials like cardboard and pencils.

Learn more: Make Your Own Sundial

36. Launch a balloon rocket

Grab balloons, string, straws, and tape, and launch rockets to learn about the laws of motion.

37. Make sparks with steel wool

All you need is steel wool and a 9-volt battery to perform this science demo that’s bound to make their eyes light up! Kids learn about chain reactions, chemical changes, and more.

Learn more: Steel Wool Electricity

38. Levitate a Ping-Pong ball

Kids will get a kick out of this experiment, which is really all about Bernoulli’s principle. You only need plastic bottles, bendy straws, and Ping-Pong balls to make the science magic happen.

39. Whip up a tornado in a bottle

There are plenty of versions of this classic experiment out there, but we love this one because it sparkles! Kids learn about a vortex and what it takes to create one.

Learn more: Tornado in a Bottle

40. Monitor air pressure with a DIY barometer

This simple but effective DIY science project teaches kids about air pressure and meteorology. They’ll have fun tracking and predicting the weather with their very own barometer.

Learn more: DIY Barometer

41. Peer through an ice magnifying glass

Students will certainly get a thrill out of seeing how an everyday object like a piece of ice can be used as a magnifying glass. Be sure to use purified or distilled water since tap water will have impurities in it that will cause distortion.

Learn more: Ice Magnifying Glass

42. String up some sticky ice

Can you lift an ice cube using just a piece of string? This quick experiment teaches you how. Use a little salt to melt the ice and then refreeze the ice with the string attached.

Learn more: Sticky Ice

43. “Flip” a drawing with water

Light refraction causes some really cool effects, and there are multiple easy science experiments you can do with it. This one uses refraction to “flip” a drawing; you can also try the famous “disappearing penny” trick .

Learn more: Light Refraction With Water

44. Color some flowers

We love how simple this project is to re-create since all you’ll need are some white carnations, food coloring, glasses, and water. The end result is just so beautiful!

45. Use glitter to fight germs

Everyone knows that glitter is just like germs—it gets everywhere and is so hard to get rid of! Use that to your advantage and show kids how soap fights glitter and germs.

Learn more: Glitter Germs

46. Re-create the water cycle in a bag

You can do so many easy science experiments with a simple zip-top bag. Fill one partway with water and set it on a sunny windowsill to see how the water evaporates up and eventually “rains” down.

Learn more: Water Cycle

47. Learn about plant transpiration

Your backyard is a terrific place for easy science experiments. Grab a plastic bag and rubber band to learn how plants get rid of excess water they don’t need, a process known as transpiration.

Learn more: Plant Transpiration

48. Clean up an oil spill

Before conducting this experiment, teach your students about engineers who solve environmental problems like oil spills. Then, have your students use provided materials to clean the oil spill from their oceans.

Learn more: Oil Spill

49. Construct a pair of model lungs

Kids get a better understanding of the respiratory system when they build model lungs using a plastic water bottle and some balloons. You can modify the experiment to demonstrate the effects of smoking too.

Learn more: Model Lungs

50. Experiment with limestone rocks

Kids  love to collect rocks, and there are plenty of easy science experiments you can do with them. In this one, pour vinegar over a rock to see if it bubbles. If it does, you’ve found limestone!

Learn more: Limestone Experiments

51. Turn a bottle into a rain gauge

All you need is a plastic bottle, a ruler, and a permanent marker to make your own rain gauge. Monitor your measurements and see how they stack up against meteorology reports in your area.

Learn more: DIY Rain Gauge

52. Build up towel mountains

This clever demonstration helps kids understand how some landforms are created. Use layers of towels to represent rock layers and boxes for continents. Then pu-u-u-sh and see what happens!

Learn more: Towel Mountains

53. Take a play dough core sample

Learn about the layers of the earth by building them out of Play-Doh, then take a core sample with a straw. ( Love Play-Doh? Get more learning ideas here. )

Learn more: Play Dough Core Sampling

54. Project the stars on your ceiling

Use the video lesson in the link below to learn why stars are only visible at night. Then create a DIY star projector to explore the concept hands-on.

Learn more: DIY Star Projector

55. Make it rain

Use shaving cream and food coloring to simulate clouds and rain. This is an easy science experiment little ones will beg to do over and over.

Learn more: Shaving Cream Rain

56. Blow up your fingerprint

This is such a cool (and easy!) way to look at fingerprint patterns. Inflate a balloon a bit, use some ink to put a fingerprint on it, then blow it up big to see your fingerprint in detail.

57. Snack on a DNA model

Twizzlers, gumdrops, and a few toothpicks are all you need to make this super-fun (and yummy!) DNA model.

Learn more: Edible DNA Model

58. Dissect a flower

Take a nature walk and find a flower or two. Then bring them home and take them apart to discover all the different parts of flowers.

59. Craft smartphone speakers

No Bluetooth speaker? No problem! Put together your own from paper cups and toilet paper tubes.

Learn more: Smartphone Speakers

60. Race a balloon-powered car

Kids will be amazed when they learn they can put together this awesome racer using cardboard and bottle-cap wheels. The balloon-powered “engine” is so much fun too.

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car

61. Build a Ferris wheel

You’ve probably ridden on a Ferris wheel, but can you build one? Stock up on wood craft sticks and find out! Play around with different designs to see which one works best.

Learn more: Craft Stick Ferris Wheel

62. Design a phone stand

There are lots of ways to craft a DIY phone stand, which makes this a perfect creative-thinking STEM challenge.

63. Conduct an egg drop

Put all their engineering skills to the test with an egg drop! Challenge kids to build a container from stuff they find around the house that will protect an egg from a long fall (this is especially fun to do from upper-story windows).

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

64. Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws.

Learn more: Straw Roller Coaster

65. Build a solar oven

Explore the power of the sun when you build your own solar ovens and use them to cook some yummy treats. This experiment takes a little more time and effort, but the results are always impressive. The link below has complete instructions.

Learn more: Solar Oven

66. Build a Da Vinci bridge

There are plenty of bridge-building experiments out there, but this one is unique. It’s inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting wooden bridge. Learn how to build it at the link, and expand your learning by exploring more about Da Vinci himself.

Learn more: Da Vinci Bridge

67. Step through an index card

This is one easy science experiment that never fails to astonish. With carefully placed scissor cuts on an index card, you can make a loop large enough to fit a (small) human body through! Kids will be wowed as they learn about surface area.

68. Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge kids to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Paper Cup Stack

69. Test out parachutes

Gather a variety of materials (try tissues, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, etc.) and see which ones make the best parachutes. You can also find out how they’re affected by windy days or find out which ones work in the rain.

Learn more: Parachute Drop

70. Recycle newspapers into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge kids to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape!

Learn more: Newspaper STEM Challenge

71. Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Kids absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar

72. Assemble a better umbrella

Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations using the scientific method.

Learn more: Umbrella STEM Challenge

Plus, sign up for our newsletters to get all the latest learning ideas straight to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Magic Milk Experiment: How-To Plus Free Worksheet

This classic experiment teaches kids about basic chemistry and physics. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Get Your ALL ACCESS Shop Pass here →

50 Fun Kids Science Experiments

Science doesn’t need to be complicated. These easy science experiments below are awesome for kids! They are visually stimulating, hands-on, and sensory-rich, making them fun to do and perfect for teaching simple science concepts at home or in the classroom.

Top 10 Science Experiments

Click on the titles below for the full supplies list and easy step-by-step instructions. Have fun trying these experiments at home or in the classroom, or even use them for your next science fair project!

Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

Can you make a balloon inflate on its own? Grab a few basic kitchen ingredients and test them out! Try amazing chemistry for kids at your fingertips.

Rainbow In A Jar

Enjoy learning about the basics of color mixing up to the density of liquids with this simple water density experiment . There are even more ways to explore rainbows here with walking water, prisms, and more.

This color-changing magic milk experiment will explode your dish with color. Add dish soap and food coloring to milk for cool chemistry!

Seed Germination Experiment

Not all kids’ science experiments involve chemical reactions. Watch how a seed grows , which provides a window into the amazing field of biology .

Egg Vinegar Experiment

One of our favorite science experiments is a naked egg or rubber egg experiment . Can you make your egg bounce? What happened to the shell?

Dancing Corn

Find out how to make corn dance with this easy experiment. Also, check out our dancing raisins and dancing cranberries.

Grow Crystals

Growing borax crystals is easy and a great way to learn about solutions. You could also grow sugar crystals , eggshell geodes , or salt crystals .

Lava Lamp Experiment

It is great for learning about what happens when you mix oil and water. a homemade lava lamp is a cool science experiment kids will want to do repeatedly!

Skittles Experiment

Who doesn’t like doing science with candy? Try this classic Skittles science experiment and explore why the colors don’t mix when added to water.

Lemon Volcano

Watch your kids’ faces light up, and their eyes widen when you test out cool chemistry with a lemon volcano using common household items, baking soda, and vinegar.

Bonus! Popsicle Stick Catapult

Kid tested, STEM approved! Making a popsicle stick catapult is a fantastic way to dive into hands-on physics and engineering.

Grab the handy Top 10 Science Experiments list here!

Free Science Ideas Guide

Grab this free science experiments challenge calendar and have fun with science right away. Use the clickable links to see how to set up each science project.

Get Started With A Science Fair Project

💡Want to turn one of these fun and easy science experiments into a science fair project? Then, you will want to check out these helpful resources.

• Easy Science Fair Projects
• Science Project Tips From A Teacher
• Science Fair Board Ideas

50 Easy Science Experiments For Kids

Kids’ Science Experiments By Topic

Are you looking for a specific topic? Check out these additional resources below. Each topic includes easy-to-understand information, everyday examples, and additional hands-on activities and experiments.

• Chemistry Experiments
• Physics Experiments
• Chemical Reaction Experiments
• Candy Experiments
• Plant Experiments
• Kitchen Science
• Water Experiments
• Baking Soda Experiments
• States Of Matter Experiments
• Physical Change Experiments
• Chemical Change Experiments
• Surface Tension Experiments
• Capillary Action Experiments
• Weather Science Projects
• Geology Science Projects
• Space Activities
• Simple Machines
• Static Electricity
• Potential and Kinetic Energy
• Gravity Experiments

Science Experiments By Season

• Spring Science
• Summer Science Experiments
• Fall Science Experiments
• Winter Science Experiments

Science Experiments by Age Group

While many experiments can be performed by various age groups, the best science experiments for specific age groups are listed below.

• Science Activities For Toddlers
• Preschool Science Experiments
• Kindergarten Science Experiments
• First Grade Science Projects
• Elementary Science Projects
• Science Projects For 3rd Graders
• Science Experiments For Middle Schoolers

How To Teach Science

Kids are curious and always looking to explore, discover, check out, and experiment to discover why things do what they do, move as they move, or change as they change! My son is now 13, and we started with simple science activities around three years of age with simple baking soda science.

Here are great tips for making science experiments enjoyable at home or in the classroom.

Safety first: Always prioritize safety. Use kid-friendly materials, supervise the experiments, and handle potentially hazardous substances yourself.

Start with simple experiments: Begin with basic experiments (find tons below) that require minimal setup and materials, gradually increasing complexity as kids gain confidence.

Use everyday items: Utilize common household items like vinegar and baking soda , food coloring, or balloons to make the experiments accessible and cost-effective.

Hands-on approach: Encourage kids to actively participate in the experiments rather than just observing. Let them touch, mix, and check out reactions up close.

Make predictions: Ask kids to predict the outcome before starting an experiment. This stimulates critical thinking and introduces the concept of hypothesis and the scientific method.

Record observations: Have a science journal or notebook where kids can record their observations, draw pictures, and write down their thoughts. Learn more about observing in science. We also have many printable science worksheets .

Theme-based experiments: Organize experiments around a theme, such as water , air , magnets , or plants . Even holidays and seasons make fun themes!

Kitchen science : Perform experiments in the kitchen, such as making ice cream using salt and ice or learning about density by layering different liquids.

Create a science lab: Set up a dedicated space for science experiments, and let kids decorate it with science-themed posters and drawings.

Outdoor experiments: Take some experiments outside to explore nature, study bugs, or learn about plants and soil.

DIY science kits: Prepare science experiment kits with labeled containers and ingredients, making it easy for kids to conduct experiments independently. Check out our DIY science list and STEM kits.

Make it a group effort: Group experiments can be more fun, allowing kids to learn together and share their excitement. Most of our science activities are classroom friendly!

Science shows or documentaries: Watch age-appropriate science shows or documentaries to introduce kids to scientific concepts entertainingly. Hello Bill Nye and the Magic Schoolbus! You can also check out National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and NASA!

Ask open-ended questions: Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions that prompt kids to think deeper about what they are experiencing.

Celebrate successes: Praise kids for their efforts and discoveries, no matter how small, to foster a positive attitude towards science and learning.

What is the Scientific Method for Kids?

The scientific method is a way scientists figure out how things work. First, they ask a question about something they want to know. Then, they research to learn what’s already known about it. After that, they make a prediction called a hypothesis.

Next comes the fun part – they test their hypothesis by doing experiments. They carefully observe what happens during the experiments and write down all the details. Learn more about variables in experiments here.

Once they finish their experiments, they look at the results and decide if their hypothesis is right or wrong. If it’s wrong, they devise a new hypothesis and try again. If it’s right, they share their findings with others. That’s how scientists learn new things and make our world better!

Go ahead and introduce the scientific method and get kids started recording their observations and making conclusions. Read more about the scientific method for kids .

Engineering and STEM Projects For Kids

STEM activities include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In addition to our kids’ science experiments, we have lots of fun STEM activities for you to try. Check out these STEM ideas below.

• Building Activities
• Self-Propelling Car Projects
• Engineering Projects For Kids
• What Is Engineering For Kids?
• Lego STEM Ideas
• LEGO Engineering Activities
• STEM Activities For Toddlers
• STEM Worksheets
• Easy STEM Activities For Elementary
• Quick STEM Challenges
• Easy STEM Activities With Paper  

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.