1. Colorful Swirls in Milk
This experiment is simple but visually stunning, especially for younger children. It’s a great way to learn about the properties of fat and detergents.
What you’ll need:
- A plate
- Whole milk
- Food coloring
- Dish soap
- A cotton swab
Instructions:
- Pour the milk onto the plate so that it covers the bottom.
- Gently add a few drops of different food colorings in various spots on the surface of the milk.
- Dip the cotton swab into the dish soap.
- Touch the surface of the milk with the soapy end of the swab—and watch what happens!
What’s happening? The food coloring starts swirling around, creating colorful patterns. This happens because the dish soap reacts with the fat in the milk, breaking it apart. This reaction causes the food coloring to move, creating the stunning effect.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano
This classic experiment never gets old and always brings big smiles. It’s a perfect way to learn about chemical reactions and the production of gas.
What you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Food coloring (optional)
- A plastic cup
- A tray or plate to catch the mess
Instructions:
- Place the plastic cup on the tray.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda to the cup.
- In a separate container, mix vinegar with food coloring.
- Slowly pour the vinegar into the cup with the baking soda and watch your “volcano” erupt!
What’s happening? The reaction between the acid (vinegar) and the base (baking soda) creates carbon dioxide gas. This gas causes the bubbling foam to overflow from the cup, mimicking a volcanic eruption.
3. Egg in Non-Newtonian Fluid
This experiment allows you to explore the mysterious properties of a non-Newtonian fluid—a substance that behaves like both a solid and a liquid depending on the pressure applied to it.
What you’ll need:
- Cornstarch
- Water
- A bowl
- A raw egg
Instructions:
- Pour cornstarch into a bowl.
- Slowly add water, stirring, until you create a thick paste. When you touch it gently, it will feel liquid, but when you apply more pressure, it will resist like a solid.
- Try gently placing a raw egg on the surface of the fluid.
- Now, try “throwing” the egg into the fluid – you’ll be surprised to see that the egg doesn’t break!
What’s happening? The non-Newtonian fluid behaves differently from regular liquids. When you place something gently on it, it acts like a liquid, but under pressure, it behaves more like a solid. That’s why the egg doesn’t crack when it’s thrown—it hits a “solid” surface created by the fluid’s unique properties.
Conclusion
Doing science experiments in the kitchen is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the world of science, spark curiosity, and spend quality time together. All these experiments are safe, simple, and require only basic ingredients you likely have at home. With them, your kitchen can transform into a real science lab, and your children will have a blast exploring the wonders of the world around them!
If you enjoyed these ideas, try even more experiments and always remember to exercise caution—especially with younger children.
