As it is nearly Bonfire night in the UK we thought was should do a firework experiment. A firework in a jar is totally safe, very easy and looks just like a firework without the bang and sparkle.
Firework in a Jar
What you need to make a firework in a jar
A tall jar
Warm water
Oil
Food colouring
How to make a firework in a jar
Fill the jar about 3/4 full of warm water and then add a layer of oil.
Carefully drop the food colouring into the oil.
Watch what happens.
Why does it work?
Oil and water do not 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.
Food colouring is heavier than the water and so sinks to the bottom of the jar leaving trails (resembling fireworks) as some of the colour diffuses into the water.
We noticed that some blobs of food colouring sank to the bottom and then after a few moments shot up (resembling a more conventional firework) – Why do you think this might have happened?*
*We think this might be because an oil droplet was trapped inside a food colouring droplet and sank, but as the edges of the food colouring droplet diffused into the water suddenly the drop became lighter than the surrounding water (thanks to the less dense oil at the centre) and floated upwards quickly…
Emma, What a coincidence! We too enjoyed a similar experiment in bottles. We added fizz tablets that cause really firework-like reactions. Just linked it up above.
…aw, Guy Fawke’s Night! My husband is actually descended from Tresham’s who came to the US after their relatives failed involvement with the Gunpowder plot – maybe we should light a bonfire too 🙂
looks great, love all your experiments and you’re filling such an important little spot in our party that was empty until you came along! thanks so much for stopping by regularly to share on Craft Schooling Sunday, i really appreciate it!
[…] Boy is not yet three I haven’t done any science experiments with him yet but when I read the Fireworks in a Glass post yesterday I thought it looked like a nice easy activity which he would enjoy. So here are our […]
[…] certain that we will be seeing lots of fireworks at the end of celebrations. How about checking out Science Sparks and making some fascinating “Fireworks in a Glass”? Cool or […]
[…] a bit of sparkle to your science lessons with some Guy Fawkes-themed experiments. You could try making a firework in a glass using water, oil and food colouring, or looking at the chemistry of fireworks and how they work. You’ll find more ideas […]
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ChocOrangeCityMum
November 3, 2011 at 12:22 amThis looks like great fun for small kids, will try it with my Boy.
Thanks!
Multiple Mummy
November 3, 2011 at 9:06 amVery cool! Love this! x
Rashmie @MommyLabs
November 3, 2011 at 10:30 amEmma,
What a coincidence! We too enjoyed a similar experiment in bottles. We added fizz tablets that cause really firework-like reactions. Just linked it up above.
Smallgood
November 3, 2011 at 12:32 pmThe video was great! I had never seen this done before.
Brooke @let kids create
November 4, 2011 at 2:58 amSo cool, I love the second blast that comes up at the end. I’ve got to do this with my girls.
ScienceSparks
November 7, 2011 at 1:49 pmOooh let us know how you get on. xx
Beth
November 6, 2011 at 2:50 pmVery cute idea! We are going to have to try that. I wanted to invite you to come link up at TGIF Linky Party – http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/search/label/Linkey%20Parties & I’ll link up too!
Beth =-)
ScienceSparks
November 7, 2011 at 1:49 pmoh yes, of course. I will check it out now. xx
Almost Unschoolers
November 6, 2011 at 3:29 pmBonfire night? I have to go look that one up! 🙂
Almost Unschoolers
November 6, 2011 at 3:45 pm…aw, Guy Fawke’s Night! My husband is actually descended from Tresham’s who came to the US after their relatives failed involvement with the Gunpowder plot – maybe we should light a bonfire too 🙂
ScienceSparks
November 7, 2011 at 1:45 pmoooh really? How interesting. You should join in the celebrations. xx
Liberty
November 8, 2011 at 4:05 pmThis is wonderful!!! I cannot wait to do this with my little one. Your site is amazing – Thank You!!!
ScienceSparks
November 9, 2011 at 6:02 pmI’m so glad you like is, thank you. xx
Carrie
November 9, 2011 at 7:26 amThis site is great! My son loves science, and I am always looking for ways to foster that! Pinned, and your newest GFC follower!
ScienceSparks
November 9, 2011 at 6:01 pmI’m so glad you like us, thank you. xx
maggy,red ted art
November 9, 2011 at 5:36 pmWow! Looks absolutely fabulous! Don’t you just LOVE SCIENCE 🙂
Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!!
Maggy
creativejewishmom/sara
November 10, 2011 at 7:39 amlooks great, love all your experiments and you’re filling such an important little spot in our party that was empty until you came along! thanks so much for stopping by regularly to share on Craft Schooling Sunday, i really appreciate it!
Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
November 14, 2011 at 3:39 amso cool – will be doing this at some point for sure!
Thanks for linking to the Sunday Showcase! Can’t wait to see what you share with us this week.
Bern
http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Showcase
ScienceSparks
November 14, 2011 at 12:12 pmSo glad you liked it! x
Hot Cross Mum
November 21, 2011 at 9:38 amCool – love this little experiment!