Fireworks in a Jar

I hope your 4th of July weekend is full of gorgeous weather, but if you get a rainy day, check out this fun science experiment.  I love it because it is so easy and most likely you will have all of the supplies in your kitchen cupboards!  This project mimics colorful fireworks explosions and has a science twist introducing dissolving and density!

Supplies You'll Need: 

• Large, tall clear glass jar (or a vase works well)
• Food coloring
• Vegetable oil, about 2 Tbsp.
• Small bowl
• Fork

                                    

Directions: 

1. Fill jar or vase about 3/4 full of water.  Place on a table so it can be viewed from all angles.
2. Put the oil in the small bowl.  
3. Add several drops of food coloring.  
4. Mix with a fork to break the coloring up into smaller drops.
5. Add the oil with food coloring to the water in the jar.
6. Time to watch!

                                                       

The Science: 

Water is more dense than oil, which basically means that molecules that make up the oil are larger than those that make up water, so they can't pack together as tightly as the water molecules can. This is why the oil and water separate.  

When the food coloring is added to the oil, they temporarily mix, but the coloring will not dissolve in oil.  The food coloring is water based, so when it starts to sink and separate from the oil, it begins to dissolve when it makes contact with the water.  This is where the 'fireworks' start!

It is fun to experiment with different colors! Try using different primary colors and it can even become a color blending experiment!

Enjoy your 4th of July!