Description
This experiment introduces young children to chemical reactions and surface tension by creating colorful swirls in milk using dish soap. Children will observe how soap interacts with milk’s fat molecules, causing vibrant patterns to form, sparking curiosity about scientific phenomena.
Details
1. Pour a thin layer (about 1 cm deep) of whole milk into a shallow dish to cover the bottom.
2. Add 3–5 drops of different food coloring in the center of the milk, keeping them close but not touching.
3. Dip a cotton swab into dish soap, ensuring the tip is coated.
4. Gently touch the soap-coated swab to the milk near the food coloring and hold it there for a few seconds.
5. Observe the colors swirl and mix as the soap disrupts the milk’s surface tension.
6. Encourage children to try dipping the swab in different spots or adding more colors to see new patterns.
Materials
Whole milk, shallow dish, food coloring, dish soap, cotton swabs