Magic milk experiment
Create a magical swirling effect and learn STEM concepts with dish soap and milk
This experiment is a fascinating and easy-to-set-up science activity that brings together creativity and learning. Using simple household items like full-fat milk, dish soap, and food colouring, children can watch the colours swirl and dance in the milk, all while learning about chemical reactions and surface tension.
The reaction between the dish soap and milk is what makes this experiment so fun to watch! The soap breaks down the fat in the milk, causing the colours to move around in vibrant swirls.
It’s not only a visual treat but also a hands-on learning experience about how different substances interact.
Materials
Prep / make
Step 1:
Pour full-fat milk into a wide bowl or tray, enough to cover the bottom.
Step 2:
Add a few drops of different food colouring to the milk, spacing them out for a vibrant effect.
Play
Step 1:
Invite your child to observe what happens when you add food colouring to the milk.
Step 2:
Dip a cotton bud in dish soap and then touch it to the milk, right where the food colouring drops are.
Step 3:
Observe as the colours start swirling and "dancing" around the bowl, creating beautiful patterns.
Extend
Shape Creations: Use a toothpick to gently guide the swirling colours into different shapes, like spirals or flowers, creating your own unique artwork.
Try Different Types of Milk: Test the experiment with different types of milk (skim, almond, etc.) and see how the reaction changes, discussing the differences.
Magic Milk Art: Dip a piece of thick paper or cardboard into the milk to capture the colourful patterns, letting it dry as a piece of artwork to keep.
