Description
Glowing Fireworks in a Jar is a fun and visually stunning science activity perfect for kids and adults alike. By combining vegetable oil, food coloring, and warm water, this no-cook experiment creates vibrant bursts of color that mimic fireworks inside a clear glass jar. Easy to set up and safe to perform, it’s a fantastic way to explore color mixing and density while enjoying a mesmerizing display.
Ingredients
Scale
Materials
- 1 clear glass jar or mason jar
- Warm water (enough to fill the jar ¾ full)
- 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Several drops (4–6) of liquid food coloring (assorted colors)
- 1 fork or small whisk
Instructions
- Fill the Jar: Pour warm water into the glass jar until it is about three-quarters full. Set it aside to prepare the next step.
- Mix Oil and Food Coloring: In a small bowl, combine the vegetable oil with 4 to 6 drops of different food coloring colors. Use a fork or small whisk to gently stir the mixture briefly, just enough to create tiny droplets of food coloring suspended in the oil.
- Combine Mixtures: Quickly pour the oil and food coloring mixture into the jar filled with warm water. Observe as the droplets of colored oil begin to sink through the water and burst into beautiful, firework-like streaks.
- Enjoy the Display: Watch carefully as the colors disperse and create dynamic streaks resembling fireworks inside the jar. This visual effect mimics real fireworks safely and creatively.
Notes
- This experiment is a fun and safe science activity ideal for kids, encouraging learning through visual exploration.
- Using warm water helps the food coloring disperse faster and more vividly.
- For a glow-in-the-dark effect, substitute tonic water for plain water and illuminate the jar with a blacklight. The colors will glow differently but offer a fantastic alternative display.
- Ensure the jar is stable and on a flat surface to prevent spills during the experiment.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Craft, Kids Activity
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
