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Another Firework in a Glass

October 24, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 20 Comments

We’ve made a firework in a glass before, but considering it’s almost bonfire night and my 3 year old is desperate to do anything that involves a pipette, I thought we’d try again.

This is a very cool, simple and fun experiment, and also completely safe, just don’t drink the water.

Equipment

  • A tall glass
  • Warm water
  • Oil
  • Food colouring

Firework in a glass

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Instructions

  • Fill the tall glass with warm water.
  • Pour a small amount of oil into another container and add a few drops of food colouring.
  • Give it a good stir, if it doesn’t mix, add a bit of water.
  • Pour the food colouring and oil mixture into the warm water and watch the fireworks.

The Science Bit

Oil and water don’t mix. Also oil is less dense than water (meaning there is less of it in the same volume) and therefore floats on top of water in a nice layer.

The food colouring we used was water based and therefore does not mix with the oil, instead it sinks through the oil into the water below.

Since the addition of the colouring makes the food colouring heavier than the water it sinks to the bottom leaving trails (resembling fireworks) as some of the colour diffuses into the water.

Firework in a glass

 

What do you think? Can you make a multicoloured firework?

Other oil and water experiments

Lava lamps

Density

firework-glass

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Filed Under: Holidays Tagged With: Firework in a glass, fun science for kids, making science fun for kids

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Natalie F

    October 24, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    We did this experiment a few years back for 4th of July. I have to repeat it one of these days – I think daughter will enjoy it even more now when she is older…

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      November 3, 2013 at 4:56 pm

      It is very cool!

      Reply
  2. Pinkoddy

    October 30, 2013 at 11:57 pm

    What a really simple idea – I can so do that with my 6 yr old on Friday (last day of holidays). He is a very keen learner.

    Reply
    • Mummy Barrow

      October 31, 2013 at 9:38 am

      that is amazing!!! I am definitely going to have a go at that. I love fireworks but I also love the simplicity of this one.

      Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      November 3, 2013 at 4:56 pm

      Thanks lovely. x

      Reply
  3. Donna @ Little Lilypad Co

    October 31, 2013 at 9:23 am

    Brilliant, simple and safe!
    That is a great idea, can’t wait to try it out with my girls.

    Reply
  4. domestic goddesque

    October 31, 2013 at 9:30 am

    Fireworks without the noise? Perfect!

    Reply
  5. Sandy Calico

    October 31, 2013 at 9:38 am

    Will definitely give this a go. Brilliant 🙂

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      November 3, 2013 at 4:57 pm

      Let us know how you get on 🙂

      Reply
  6. Mari

    October 31, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    LOVE this idea and I’m sure my girls would appreciate it too. It’s the perfect time of year for it PLUS I’ve spotted your lava lamp post, must go and see that too

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      November 3, 2013 at 4:58 pm

      oooh let us know how you get on Mari.

      Reply
  7. Mammasaurus

    October 31, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    Yay I have all those bits too – thanks Emma, I’ll try that with the kids tomorrow!

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      November 3, 2013 at 4:59 pm

      Did you do it?

      Reply
  8. Emma

    October 31, 2013 at 8:09 pm

    I love this experiment we have done this and Dyl rates it!

    Reply
  9. Cakesphotoslife (Angie)

    November 1, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    Sounds a great experiment 🙂 xxx

    Reply
  10. Anna@The Measured Mom

    November 7, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    I’m a big fan of simple science learning, but I can’t think of the ideas myself. Thanks for doing that part for me 🙂 — and for linking up at After School!

    Reply
  11. Megan

    November 11, 2013 at 8:24 pm

    So much fun! Pinned and featuring on my After School post today!

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      November 11, 2013 at 9:15 pm

      Thanks Megan!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. A Pick & Mix of Blog Reading for Tuesday Treats! - thinlyspread.co.uk says:
    November 5, 2013 at 11:18 am

    […] Science Sparks for some explosive inspiration and wasn’t disappointed, if you want to make a Firework in a Glass, this is the place for […]

    Reply
  2. 10 Hands On Science Experiments for Kids - Coffee Cups and Crayons says:
    November 4, 2014 at 4:05 am

    […]  Fireworks in a Glass Experiment:  Science Sparks is full of fun science activities like this fireworks in a glass […]

    Reply

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