science behind milk and food coloring experiment

Babble Dabble Do

See Exploding Colors in the Magic Milk Experiment

February 25, 2022 by Ana Dziengel 24 Comments

See exploding bursts of color in the amazing magic milk experiment! We’ll show you some two ways to do the experiment and an extension idea for the project as well.

When you add a little bit of dish soap to milk and food coloring, the colors swirl around to form what I would deem very artistic and abstract paintings! For the science behind it scroll to the end of this post.

The magic milk science experiment is a simple science experiment you can do with everyday materials. I love showing kids how to do chemistry experiments using simple household supplies. In fact I would argue that some of the best at-home science experiments use kitchen ingredient s !

We did this project in our after school classes and when our students asked to “take it home” I told them they could easily recreate it in their own kitchen.

Video Overview

Detailed instructions for the magic milk experiment:, how to do the magic milk experiment, magic milk experiment materials.

• Almond Milk or Cow’s Milk
• Q-tips (Cotton Swab)
• Cotton Balls
• Food coloring
• Shallow plate or wide bowls

Magic Milk Instructions: Method #1

• Fill a plate or bowl with milk.
• Drop in at least 2 drops of each of four colors of food coloring. The more variety of colors the cooler the painting.
• Generously dip the end of a q-tip in dish soap.
• Now dip the q-tip (cotton swab) into the milk next to a drop of color.
• The first thing that will happen is the color will burst as soon as the dish soap hits it. It’s a great effect but very short lived. Once there is a little dishsoap in the milk it no longer “bursts”.
• Gently swirl the q-tip through the different colors and you’ll see little rivers of color start to form.
• Continue until the colors begin to mix and become brown. Empty your plate/bowl and repeat.

Magic Milk Experiment Instructions: Method # 2

Time needed:  10 minutes.

This version of the magic milk experiment lasts a long time, provided kids can restrain themselves from moving the cotton ball!

Pour a thin layer of milk in a plate or bowl.

Add a few drops each of food coloring on the center of the plate.

Soak a cotton ball in dish soap.

Carefully place the cotton ball in the center. The colors will explode out of the center!

Let the reaction continue until the colors begin to mix and become brown.

Tips & More

• You don’t need that much milk! I vastly overestimated how much we would need. For a class of 25 kids we used 1 1/2 gallons of milk.
• This is a great use of expired milk products. Put that small amount of whipping cream at the back of your refrigerator to use.
• Kids love the magic aspect of this project. We called the cotton swabs “magic wands.”
• Too much swishing and swirling and you’ll end up with brown muck fast. Of course kids don’t seem to care!

A word about food insecurity

We try to be respectful of the challenges children and families face including food insecurity. As an educator, I try to avoid using food in projects when possible. I make exceptions for projects that may have a lot to teach kids and where I feel we won’t be wasteful. That said, please think carefully about the population of students and families you serve before doing this project. Consider whether they would find this wasteful or offensive before proceeding. Also consider vegan families who may not want their children working with animal products; see some of the alternatives we suggest below.

Magic Milk Variations

• Try Different Milk Types  We have used almond and cow’s milk for this experiment and both worked well. The higher the fat content of the milk the more pronounced the “explosions” should be. A fun experiment would be to compare the results with different types of milk: almond, cow, rice, coconut. You can also experiment with cream, whole milk, and skim milk to see if there is a difference.
• Premix the soap and milk For a variation we premixed the milk and dish soap. You won’t have the color burst effect but it does seem to keep the colors separate a little longer.

The Science Behind the Magic Milk Experiment:

The dish soap molecules are attracted to the fat molecules in the milk. As soon as you introduce the soap to the milk/coloring mixture the molecules race around trying to bond. The food coloring gets pushed around in the process and appears to burst. Eventually the molecules all bond and the reaction stops.

This is a good example of how detergents work, their molecules have two ends: one end is attracted to oils and the other to water. One end of detergent molecules attracts oils and dirt from clothes, dishes etc., and as they stick together they break the oil and dirt down into smaller, easy to remove pieces.

How to Do the Magic Milk Experiment in the Classroom

If you would like to the magic milk experiment with a class full of kids here are step-by step instructions.

Per student Materials:

• (1) Small Plate or other shallow dish (make sure these are waterproof)
• (1) Large Plate or other shallow dish
• Tray to put underneath

NOTE: You may also use a divided plate as pictured above.

T eacher’s Materials:

• Milk 1.5 gallons per class of 25 students
• Tubs to collect dishes in afterwards

Sh ared Materials:

• Small bowl of dish soap
• Q-tips (Cotton swabs)
• Small bottles of liquid food coloring

Experiment #1 Procedure:

• Pass out per student materials. Ask students to place the small plate in the center of the table. It will be used for the second experiment. Ask students to place the large plate in the center of their tray.
• Explain the experiment first. Tell students they will be making colorful explosions using milk and food coloring and a “magic ingredient.” Tell students to use only a few drops of food coloring once it is available. Demonstrate how to carefully squeeze drops out of the food coloring bottles.
• Teacher(s) pour a thin layer of milk in each plate.
• Pass out the shared materials to each group of students.
• Ask students to carefully drop several drops of food coloring in the milk around their plate. Remind them not to disturb the color.
• When everyone has added color tell students to grab a “magic wand” AKA a Q-tip. Ask them to dip the wand into the magic ingredient (soap) but hold it to the side of the plate until everyone is ready. You can ask them if they know what the magic ingredient is.
• Do a countdown and on the count of 3 student should dip their q-tip into one of the drops of color. Instruct students to continue dipping the q-tip into the other drops. Listen for the oohs and aahs!
• When done the teacher should place the plates and milk in tubs to clean.

Experiment #2 Procedure:

• Ask students to place the small plate in the center of their tray.
• Teacher(s) pour a thin layer of milk in each small plate.
• Ask students to carefully drop a good squeeze of three colors of food coloring near the center of their plate. Remind them not to disturb the color.
• When everyone has added color tell students to dip a cotton ball in the soap.
• Instruct students to place the cotton ball in the center of the plate and not move it. See video below. This is an exercise in restraint!
• Watch as the color explodes out of the center of the plate/cotton ball.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ana from Babble Dabble Do (@babbledabbledo)

Turn the magic milk experiment into colorful paper!

Did you know you can expand on this experiment by making Marbled Milk Paper ?

Go HERE   for instructions: 

More Favorite Science Projects to Try:

Michelle - Little Paper Dog says

January 29, 2013 at 7:17 pm

So cool! I can’t wait to try this out with my little guy. 🙂

Ana Dziengel says

January 30, 2013 at 2:28 pm

Thanks Michelle! So simple and fun! BTW your blog is lovely! I particularly love that you have fast and easy projects; I’m trying to do something similar on my blog: quick, easy, simple projects using stuff you already have on hand.

Amanda Preiser says

April 18, 2013 at 5:06 am

This is awesome my daughter and I are going to do this today!

April 18, 2013 at 5:33 am

Thanks for stopping in Amanda! It’s a super fun and simple project. Enjoy!

August 21, 2014 at 11:08 am

Thanks! I’m an art teacher. There’s so many meet ideas I got from your blog. Thanks!

September 4, 2014 at 3:49 am

Linda, I’m thrilled to hear it! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

Denise says

August 23, 2014 at 1:45 pm

what type of paper did you use for the milk painting project?

September 4, 2014 at 3:51 am

Hi Denise, I used watercolor paper 🙂

Virginia says

January 3, 2015 at 12:34 pm

Did I miss something? I didn’t see directions for a little paper dog. I love this site. GREAT ideas Sorry if ? is dum! I can hardly wait to make the crystals. You know, Epsom salts have done ‘miracles’ ever since I knew of them! They were up front and most important in the “medicine cabinet” of my parents who had fifteen children, therefore many opportunities to use the salts for ‘injuries, localized infections and sore spots.’ Now I see they can add enormously to the decorations in my life as well as do almost magical “healing” Wish my Dad could see those! “What a Wonderful World!” Thank-you!

January 5, 2015 at 5:30 am

Thanks Virginia!

Rachel Holland says

February 7, 2015 at 9:57 am

I have tried this experiment out with my children today. I was really excited about it after seeing the lovely photo’s etc, however it was a bit of a flop. Tried it with Almond milk as suggested and semi skimmed cows milk, but when we put in the washing up liquid not much really happened. We changed the washing up liquid and got much better colour spread. However when it did the colours almost pretty much disappeared and trying to get paintings from them was so wishy washy. Are food colourings in the US very different to those in the UK, or do I just need to buy better colourings? I assumed that the liquid colourings from my local supermarket would be fine. I have also tried with gel colouring (which is the only thing that most stores stock) but this wasn’t particularly good either. I really want to make some lovely backings for Mother’s day cards etc but I am drawing a blank! Any help you could give would be great.

February 19, 2015 at 4:14 am

Hi Rachel, I’m sorry to hear this! Gel food coloring will not work. Regular food coloring should work fine. You will need to make the prints right away, if you wait until the colors are mixed you will get muddy results. And make sure you are using watercolor paper. I tried the project using cardstock and regular paper and they just didn’t absorb the color well. I hope this helps and please keep me posted!

J lewis says

February 19, 2017 at 10:09 am

Hello there, We used paste food colouring from cake shop, used to colour roll out icing, much better than the supermarket colours, which are useless for most things now as they have changed the formulas. Mix the colour paste with a little water to make a strong coloured liquid, we use this for colouring pasta too and play dough.

February 22, 2017 at 5:19 am

Thanks for the tip!

August 19, 2015 at 9:18 am

Was looking for the science explanation (chemical reactions) to share with the students while doing this? I like teaching the science of a science based experiment.

Neera Talukder says

October 25, 2015 at 6:56 am

can the whole milk be used as a substitute for almond milk ?

November 9, 2015 at 9:12 am

Absolutely!

Peggy Ashbrook says

November 30, 2015 at 4:27 am

I love it when you add the science concepts involved, both at an adult level to refresh our memories or learn new, and at a level appropriate for young children. Exploring the properties of art materials engages children in art and science!

August 16, 2016 at 5:13 am

Thanks so much Peggy!

Lisa Lewis says

January 21, 2016 at 8:07 am

I have tried the milk art 3 times with my grandchildren. We were very excited to watch the action of the colors in the milk but no much happened. I used whole milk, food colors, and Dawn dish soap. But once I put the drops of soap in the colors spread a little and then nothing else happened, I have read the posts and people talk about all the movement of the colors but we didn’t get that result. Am I doing something wrong?

August 16, 2016 at 4:51 am

Once the soap and fat molecules combine the reaction does stop. We like to swirl the milk using Q-tips after and watch the colors swirl.

Milton Garcia says

August 7, 2016 at 7:01 am

Messy. But I think my kids would love this activity.

August 15, 2016 at 8:06 am

They will love it!

Morgan says

August 23, 2016 at 12:22 pm

This looks like so much, and I love how it turns out. This would be a great project to take on with my four-year-old! Thanks so much for the idea!

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Magic Milk Science Experiment for Kids

Nothing happens if you drip food coloring onto milk, but once you add a drop of dishwashing liquid, the milk turns into a swirling wheel of color. Here’s how to perform the magic milk science experiment and a look at how it works.

Magic Milk Materials

This is a great science project for kids because all you need is milk, food coloring, and dishwashing liquid. It’s also easy on your pocketbook because you only need a little of the ingredients.

• Food Coloring
• Dishwashing liquid

How to Do the Magic Milk Science Experiment

• Pour enough milk to cover the bottom of a small place or shallow saucer.
• Add a few drops of food coloring. You don’t need to use different colors, but if you do, you can explore how colors combine to make new ones.
• Observe how boring this is. The food coloring drops stay where you put them and may even sink into the milk and disappear.
• Drip a droplet of dishwashing liquid onto the center of the milk. You don’t need to stir the milk. The colors immediately start to swirl on their own.

How the Magic Milk Experiment Works

Adding food coloring to milk doesn’t have much of an effect. Yes, you can color the milk if you stir it, but if you don’t stir it the color spreads by diffusion . Diffusion is a slow process and not very interesting to watch.

When you add dishwashing liquid, the colors start to swirl. Dishwashing liquid is a detergent. Detergents lower the surface tension of the water in the milk, making it easier for the ingredients on the plate to mix. You can observe surface tension if you pour water or milk into a glass and note you can overfill the container slightly. The anti-gravity water science trick also relies on surface tension.

But, that’s not all detergent does. Detergent is an emulsifier . Each detergent molecule has a hydrophobic (“water-fearing”) and hydrophilic (“water-loving”) portion. The hydrophilic portion orients toward water molecules, while the hydrophobic portion orients toward fat molecules. The end result is that detergent forms tiny spheres called micelles that separate the fat from the water. Basically, an emulsifier helps two immiscible (unmixable) liquids mix. The food coloring swirls throughout the milk as the detergent forms micelles around fat globules within it. The fat content of the milk matters. Skim milk contains very little fat, so the detergent doesn’t have a big effect on it. 2% milk and whole milk work much better for the magic milk project because they contain enough fat to cause a visible reaction between the detergent and milk.

From Project to Science Experiment

Science projects work due to scientific principles. For young explorers, you can explain that detergent changes the properties of milk so colors added to it mix better. Explain that the same process happens when you wash dishes. The detergent makes it easier for oil and grease to lift from dishes and get rinsed away. Also, this is a great project for kids to explore colors. They can see that blue and yellow combine to make green, red and blue combine to make purple, and so on.

But, older children can turn the science project into a science experiment. The difference is that an experiment uses the scientific method . In a nutshell, an investigator observes the project, makes a prediction or forms a hypothesis about what will happen if one thing is changed, and then conducts and experiment to see if the prediction was correct. Here are some ideas of factors to change to turn the magic milk project into a true magic milk science experiment.

• What happens if you increase the fat content of milk? You can compare skim, 2% milk, whole milk, and half-and-half. Or, you can mix oil in with milk before continuing the project. Is there a point where the thickness of the milk slows down the reaction?
• Does the project work with water? With vegetable oil? What happens if you mix water and oil and try the project?
• What happens if you sprinkle glitter onto the milk before adding the detergent?
• Temperature affects the rate of many processes and chemical reactions. Is there any difference if you use very color milk compared with hot milk?

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Magic Milk STEM Experiment: Colorful Science for Kids

Are you ready to have some STEM fun with your kiddos? There’s more to this Magic Milk experiment than meets the eye. Learn all about color mixing, chemical reactions, surface tension, and more!

STEM activities provide a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore the world around them and develop a love for science. The “Magic Milk” experiment combines the principles of chemistry and color theory to create a visually appealing and fun learning experience.

Magic Milk is a simple, inexpensive, and safe STEM activity that kids of all ages can enjoy!

Whole milk, food coloring, and a bit of dish soap come together to show children a magical explosion of colors.

This activity not only piques their curiosity but also serves as an excellent teaching moment to delve into the science behind the colorful phenomena. Learning the concepts of surface tension, chemical reactions, and color mixing can begin to cultivate a lifelong love for STEM subjects.

This is one of those simple science experiments that can teach kids things they never thought of before! I first learned about this food coloring experiment (and many other simple experiments) from the  Steve Spangler Science website .

If you love doing STEM activities with your kids, make sure you check out my Earth Day Science Experiment and Snow Volcano Experiment activities too!

Let’s dive in and have some science fun!

The Science Behind Magic Milk

You might be wondering what causes the amazing color explosion in the magic milk STEM activity. There are several factors to consider in this fun science experiment:

To understand what’s happening in the Magic Milk STEM activity, it’s important to know that milk is made up of water, vitamins, minerals, fats, and protein molecules. In this experiment, you observe the interaction between fat (in the milk) and soap.

The type of milk you use for this activity matters . Whole milk has a higher fat content (roughly 3.25%) than reduced-fat varieties (like 2% or 1%).

The fat content of the milk is important for the chemical reaction involved in the activity.

Love crafts and easy DIY projects? Grab this mini activity book for more by clicking the image below – free! 👇

Food Coloring

Now, let’s move on to the color explosion. The magic milk experiment relies on the interaction between milk’s fat molecules and dish soap.

When you add dish soap to the plate of milk, its molecules mingle with the fat molecules, causing swirling patterns of color. This is because dish soap molecules have a dual personality, with a water-loving head (hydrophilic end) and a water-fearing (hydrophobic) head or end.

As the soap molecules find their way into the milk, the hydrophobic end of a soap molecule grabs fat molecules. This forms little clusters called micelles, where the soap molecules surround and isolate the fat molecules. 

The colorful twist comes from the food coloring you’ve added to the milk. As the micelles move around, they push the food coloring molecules into different paths, leading to a rainbow of colors and mesmerizing patterns.

Surface Tension

The surface tension of the milk also plays a role in this activity. Surface tension is a property of liquids where molecules at the surface form a sort of dome due to their molecular bonds.

The dish soap disrupts the equilibrium of the milk’s surface tension, allowing the micelles to move freely and create those beautiful swirling patterns.

Magic milk is a great visual representation of scientific concepts, making it an excellent choice for a milk science fair project. Have fun experimenting with different types of milk to see how the fat content affects the results, and enjoy the dazzling display of colors!

Magic Milk Science Experiment Materials Needed

All you need to do this are a few common everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen! 

Let’s make sure you have everything ready to dive into some colorful, milky science by gathering up these supplies:

• Whole milk – other percentages can be used as a variable
• Liquid food coloring – in a variety of colors like primary colors or pastel colors (I used orange, green, yellow, red)
• Dish soap (e.g., Dawn dish soap)
• Q-tips – cotton swab or cotton ball

Magic Milk Step-by-Step Directions

Introducing the Magic Milk STEM activity, an engaging and fun experiment for kids and preschoolers. This eye-catching activity provides a great opportunity for little scientists to observe fascinating color changes and reactions. Follow this friendly, step-by-step procedure to create some science fun at home.

Pour milk onto the large, shallow glass plate. Pour just a thin layer of milk to cover the bottom of the plate.

Drop 4-5 drops of food coloring (in the colors of your choice) around the plate. Leave a little space between each drop. 

Pro Tip: You can use as many colors as you like, and placing them near each other will create more exciting visual effects.

Each time you use a color, add a drop of dish soap to your cotton swab.

Place the Q-tip in the middle of the food coloring in the milk.

Watch what happens to the food coloring!

Swirl the Q-tip around and ‘paint’ the milk. Watch the cool patterns in the milk as you do this.

Observe The Magic Milk In Action

Touch the dishwashing liquid-covered Q-tip gently to the milk’s surface, preferably near the food coloring drops.

You’ll quickly notice the food coloring appears to burst and dance across the surface of the milk. This happens because the dish soap breaks down the fat molecules in the milk, causing the molecules to move quickly and spread out the food coloring within the milk.

The result is a mesmerizing display of swirling colors that is sure to inspire young minds!

Magic Milk Experiment Variations and Extensions

This experiment is easy and uses inexpensive materials. More importantly, it’s fun for kids!

If you’re looking to expand on the magic milk STEM activity, here are a few options to consider:

• Experiment with different types of milk:  Try using different types of milk, like skim milk, 1%, 2%, and whole milk to observe how the variations impact the experiment. Compare the results and see if your child can determine if the fat content in the milk has an effect on how the colors move. You can also try using different kinds of milk , such as almond, soy, or oat milk, to see how that variable impacts your results.
• Play with the colors:   Encourage your child to mix different food colors and see what new colors they can create in their rainbow milk experiment. This will give the experiment a creative touch and help your child learn color combinations when mixing different colors.
• Gel food coloring:  To take the experiment to another level, try using gel food coloring instead of liquid. Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so it might produce different results. This variation can help your child learn about the different forms and properties of colorants.
• Create patterns:   Teach your child to create various patterns (such as concentric circles), different shapes, a color grid, or even draw a simple picture using the food coloring drops. This offers to make an art project out of the science experiment.
• Play with the thickness of the milk:  Instead of a thin layer of milk on a dish, what happens if you use a glass of milk?

Here are some additional ideas for color-changing milk experiment variations and extensions that can be tried at home:

• Use a dropper to add the dish soap, and try placing it at different spots on the milk to see how the colors react.
• Experiment with different dish soap brands or even liquid hand soap, comparing how they affect the color explosion in the milk.
• Place a piece of paper on top of the milk after the colors have exploded and gently press on it. Carefully lift the paper and let it dry, creating a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of art!

Enjoy exploring these easy science experiment variations with your child, allowing them to develop their creativity while learning about the properties of liquids and colors.

Important Magic Milk Safety Notes

First and foremost, always have  adult supervision  when conducting this experiment with young children. While the materials involved are generally safe, adult guidance will help avoid any mishaps and ensure proper handling of the supplies.

Keep the food coloring and dish soap out of reach of children.

Here are some essential safety tips to remember while performing the magic milk activity:

• Use only non-toxic food coloring and dish soap that are safe for children.
• Be mindful of possible allergies to milk or any other ingredients used in the activity. If a child has a milk allergy, consider using a non-dairy alternative.
• Gently pour the milk into the shallow dish to prevent any spills, and securely close the food coloring and dish soap containers when not in use.

I HIGHLY recommend having paper towels or cleaning cloths handy to clean up any spills immediately to avoid stains.

Magic Milk Questions to Consider

As you conduct the magic milk STEM activity and take note of your magic milk experiment results, it’s helpful to keep a few questions in mind to promote critical thinking, observation, and understanding of the underlying concepts.

What did you notice before and after? 

Did you notice a plain layer of milk and food coloring drops sitting on top before you started the experiment? After adding the dish soap and witnessing the reaction, focus on the patterns and changes in the colors.

Comparing these observations before and after will help you understand how the dish soap interacts with the milk.

What happened when you put the Q-tip in the milk? 

When you dipped the Q-tip in dish soap and touched it to the milk surface, the colors likely moved rapidly and created an explosion of vibrant patterns.

Take note of how the colors interacted with each other, and how the movement changed over time.

Why do you think that happened? 

This reaction occurs because the dish soap disrupts the bonds between fats and water molecules in the milk, causing the food coloring to move along with the separation.

Consider how the chemicals in the dish soap and the properties of the milk contributed to this effect.

Why do you think the colors stopped moving? 

Eventually, the colors will slow down and stop moving. This is because the dish soap has reached a saturation point, where it cannot disrupt any more molecules in the milk.

It’s interesting to explore how saturation affects the reaction and its limits.

What else did you observe? 

Apart from the main reaction, there may have been other subtle details to observe. For example, maybe you noticed that different food coloring colors spread at different rates or created distinct patterns. Reflecting on your overall observations can lead to deeper comprehension and appreciation for the magic milk experiment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whole milk is the preferred choice for the magic milk experiment due to its higher fat content. The fat in the milk interacts with the dish soap, allowing the food coloring to spread and create the “magic” effect. You could also use 2% milk, but the results might not be as vibrant.

The magic milk experiment is a short-lived activity. Once you’ve mixed in the dish soap, the reaction occurs for a few minutes before the food coloring settles and the milk returns to its original state. It’s best to enjoy the experiment while it’s happening and not try to preserve or store the outcome.

If you’re having trouble with your magic milk experiment, there could be a few reasons. First, make sure you’re using whole milk, as the high fat content is essential for the best results. Second, ensure you’re using liquid food coloring, as gel or powdered forms may not produce the desired effect. Finally, check that you’re adding the dish soap correctly: add just a drop of soap in the center of the milk and the food coloring to see the reaction take place.

The magic milk experiment relies on the fat content in dairy milk for the reaction to occur. Almond milk, being a non-dairy milk substitute, generally has a lower fat content than whole milk. Although you can still try the experiment with almond milk, the results may vary and might not be as vibrant or impressive.

More Hands-On Fun

Isn’t this science activity lots of fun?! If you want even more great ideas and inspiration, check out these posts:

• Dancing Raisins Experiment
• Fireworks In A Jar Science Experiment
• Easy Rainbow Walking Water Experiment
• DIY Rainbow Spaghetti For Sensory Fun
• How To Melt Crayons Into New Shapes

Magic Milk STEM Experiment

Ingredients.

• Large dinner plate
• 1-2 cups of whole milk
• Food coloring (orange, green, yellow, red)
• Small container dish soap

Instructions

Pour milk onto the large glass plate. Pour enough milk to cover the bottom of the plate.

Drop 4-5 drops of each color of food coloring around the plate. Leave a little space between each drop. Dip a Q-tip into the dish soap each time you use a color.

Place the Q-tip in the middle of the food coloring in the milk. Watch what happens to the food coloring!

Swirl the Q-tip around and ‘paint’ the milk. Watch the cool patterns in the milk as you do this.

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Science At Play: Magic Milk

Have you ever wanted to do a science experiment using colorful dye and sparkles? This milk experiment allows you to do just that! Prepare to be amazed as a chemical reaction occurs right in front of you in seconds and then learn more about the science behind it. 

MATERIAL LIST:

• Whole Milk 
• Food coloring
• Glitter (optional)
• Shiny confetti (optional)
• Cotton swabs 

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Pour your milk into a medium bowl or dish – you want to make sure there is about one inch of liquid. 
• Slowly add in food coloring. We encourage you to get creative and mix in multiple colors! If you have any, now is a good time to pour in your glitter or confetti.
• Next, pour some dish soap into the milk.
• Cover part of the cotton swab with dish soap and dab it against the surface of the milk.
• Look out for a chemical reaction!

WHAT IS THE SCIENCE:

Milk is made up of fats, water, and minerals. It is a liquid, which has surface tension, so its molecules produce positive and negative charges that keep the liquid in a steady state. Those same charges repel and attract other molecules, like the dish soap we added. 

Dish soap is a special kind of substance called a surfactant, which is able to affect a liquid’s surface tension with both hydrophilic (“water-loving”) and hydrophobic (“water-hating”) parts. The hydrophilic parts attached to the water molecules in the milk, and the hydrophobic parts attached to the fats, causing the milk to start to separate. We normally wouldn’t be able to see this reaction taking place, but the food coloring and glitter help us do that!   

Watch this video if you are interested in learning a little more about the science behind this  Magic Milk Experiment !

CHEMISTRY CAREERS:

https://www.mendeley.com/careers/article/top-10-chemistry-jobs/

There are a broad range of possible chemistry careers, ranging from teachers to chemists. Teachers can work in middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities. At a research university, professors are able to collaborate with students to conduct research that helps find life-saving treatments, make discoveries about the environment and the world around us, build useful chemical compounds that help with manufacturing, and more. A forensic chemist works at crime scenes and searches for and examines remains in a lab–they might be looking at toxicology or reactions that took place in the human body to help law enforcement officials solve crimes. 

To learn more, the American Chemical Society has a comprehensive list of options. We encourage you to check it out! 

CHALLENGES:

• Try using 2% milk – what do you notice about the reaction. Why do you think this happens?
• Then try using fat free milk. Compare the chemical reaction against the reactions you noticed for the whole and 2% milks.

ASK YOUR YOUNG STUDENTS:

• Why don’t you think we’re normally able to see this reaction?

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/surfactant-science-make-a-milk-rainbow/

This week is Family STEM Week at the Connecticut Science Center. Check out CTScienceCenter.org to learn all the ways you can interact with us both online and in person. 

Caroline Bogue is a senior at Bates College. She is studying psychology with an Archaeology and Material Culture concentration. This summer, she is working as a Public Programs Intern at the Connecticut Science Center to assist with virtual programming and remote learning activities. She is passionate about animal care and wildlife. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and being outdoors, and she has experience playing soccer and basketball at the collegiate level.

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Magic Milk Science Experiment: Unveiling the Chemistry of Colors

The Magic Milk science experiment is a captivating activity that combines art and science , making it an engaging experience for children and adults alike.

It’s a simple and colorful way to explore the reactions between everyday household materials such as milk, food coloring, and dish soap.

This experiment not only demonstrates a visually stunning composition of swirling colors but also provides a hands-on opportunity to observe chemical reactions and the properties of milk.

While the setup for the experiment is minimal, requiring only basic supplies, the learning opportunities are significant. It offers a chance to discuss scientific concepts such as chemical bonds, the nature of fats and proteins in milk, and the role of surfactants in reducing surface tension.

The easy-to-follow procedure also makes it ideal for explaining complex ideas in an accessible manner. As the dish soap mixes with the milk, it causes the fat and water molecules to separate, creating a burst of motion and color that serves as a practical illustration of these scientific principles.

Key Takeaways

• The experiment is a visually appealing way to learn about chemical reactions.
• Simple household items are used to demonstrate scientific concepts.
• An effective method to teach about properties of milk and surface tension.

The Science of Magic Milk

The magic milk science experiment demonstrates a fascinating chemical reaction between milk’s components and dish soap, resulting in a burst of colors as the surface tension is disrupted.

Chemistry Behind the Colors

When dish soap is added to milk, a rapid interaction occurs as the soap’s molecules race to join with the fat molecules in the milk. This soap and fat bonding causes the visible turmoil that is the foundation of the magic milk experiment . Milk is a suspension of fat micelles , which are clusters of fat molecules encased in a shell of protein and water molecules . Normally, these micelles are in a state of equilibrium , but the introduction of dish soap disturbs this balance. The soap molecules have two distinct ends: one hydrophilic (water-attracting) and one hydrophobic (water-repelling), which also attracts fats. When the dish soap is added, the hydrophobic ends latch onto the fat molecules , reducing the surface tension that keeps the water-soluble components and fats separated.

Table: Components in Magic Milk Experiment

The result is a flurry of moving colors as the fat and water molecules are shuffled around in the new absence of balanced forces, creating an explosion of color throughout the milk.

Role of Milk in the Experiment

Milk plays a pivotal role in the magic milk science experiment due to its fat content . The varying fat percentages in different types of milk can influence how the colors move and swirl during the experiment; whole milk, with a higher fat content, tends to produce more vibrant and dynamic color motions compared to skim milk or lower-fat alternatives. The proteins in milk, such as casein, form a protective ring around the fat molecules , which are disrupted by the dish soap, contributing to the churning motion observed. This illustrates the delicate balance of fats and water within the milk and demonstrates the principle of non-polar (oil-like) molecules interacting with polar substances.

Preparing for the Experiment

Before beginning the Magic Milk science experiment, it’s essential to gather all necessary materials and create an appropriate workspace. This ensures the experiment runs smoothly and allows observers to clearly witness the color explosion reaction.

List of Materials Needed

For this experiment, you will need the following supplies:

• Whole milk or 2% milk: These types of milk yield the best results due to their fat content. Skim milk and 1% milk are less effective.
• Liquid food coloring: A variety of colors for a more dramatic effect.
• Dish soap: Any brand will do, as it is the critical agent causing the reaction.
• Cotton swab or Q-tips: Used for adding dish soap to the milk.
• Shallow dish or bowl: Large enough to hold the milk in a thin layer.
• Water: A clean supply to rinse off the cotton swabs if reusing.

Solid preparation ensures the successful demonstration of the scientific principles at play and the underlying chemical reactions occurring between the dish soap and the fats in the milk.

Setting Up the Experiment Space

Choose a clear, flat surface such as a kitchen counter or a dinner plate placed on a table. Position the shallow dish or bowl centrally, where it can be easily seen and accessed. It’s advisable to have a towel or paper towels handy for any spills. Since the experiment can be messy, especially with children, protective clothing or aprons could be useful.

Ensure there is enough room around the experiment space for all observers to view the ‘magic’ as it happens. This visual spectacle, often inspired by professionals like Steve Spangler, is excellent for capturing the audience’s attention and highlighting the reactions. Proper setup not only makes the experiment more enjoyable but also helps in explaining the science behind the color explosion effectively.

Conducting the Magic Milk Experiment

The Magic Milk experiment is a fascinating visual display of chemical reactions involving colors and movement. It demonstrates how soap interacts with fat molecules in milk, resulting in a mesmerizing “color explosion.”

Steps to Create Magic Milk

• Pour the Milk : Begin by filling a shallow dish with enough whole milk to cover the bottom.
• Add Color : Carefully add several drops of food coloring to the milk. Use a variety of colors to enhance the visual effect.
• Introduce Soap : Place a drop of liquid dish soap onto a cotton swab. Gently touch the soap-laden swab to the center of the milk’s surface.

Observing the Reaction

Upon introducing the soap to the milk, one will observe the immediate movement of color. This is due to the soap’s hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (fat-attracting) properties causing a disruption in the fat molecules within the milk. The result is a dynamic color dance where vivid patterns and swirls are created as the soap molecules spread through the milk, showing the hydrophilic and hydrophobic reactions at play. The Magic Milk experiment not only results in a stunning color explosion , but it’s also a simple, hands-on learning activity that illustrates some basic principles of chemistry and physics.

Explaining the Concepts to Kids

When introducing the magic milk science experiment to children, it’s crucial to simplify complex scientific principles and engage their curiosity through hands-on learning. This experiment is a perfect blend of fun and education, suitable for a STEM activity or a science fair project.

Simple Explanations for Complex Science

The magic milk experiment is a wonderful way for preschoolers and older children to witness a chemical reaction in a safe environment. Adults can explain that milk is made of water, fat, and proteins, which react in an interesting way when dish soap is added. As the soap mixes with the milk, these molecules move around, causing the colors to swirl. One can explain that dish soap reduces the milk’s surface tension and reacts with the fat. To put it in simple terms for kids:

• Milk is like a party where fat, water, and proteins hang out together.
• Food coloring drops are like balloons that add color to the party.
• Dish soap is like a bubble blower that stirs things up and makes fat move around, carrying the balloons with it.

The activity not only demonstrates principles of chemistry experiments but also teaches about the scientific method , as children can make a hypothesis or prediction about what will happen when soap touches the food coloring in the milk.

Engaging Young Minds with Science

To keep young minds engaged, adults can turn the magic milk experiment into a science investigation by encouraging kids to ask questions and make predictions. Before starting, an adult might ask:

• What do you think will happen when we add soap to the milk?
• How do you think the colors will change?

This encourages kids to be scientists, developing a hypothesis . After conducting the fun science experiment , they can observe the results and see if their predictions were correct. This process promotes critical thinking and an understanding of the scientific method .

Furthermore, conducting this experiment is a safe and fun science experiment that provides adult-supervised playful learning, especially for preschoolers . As a STEM activity , it sparks interest in science through a visually stimulating show of colors.

By making science exciting and accessible, children are more likely to foster a long-term interest in the subject. This simple yet effective demonstration paves the way for engaging in more complex STEM activities in the future.

Extension Activities and Further Exploration

Once the magic milk science experiment has been successfully completed at home, there are several ways one can expand the learning experience for kids. These extension activities can help solidify understanding of chemistry principles and offer a deeper dive into the science of reactions between different substances.

Creating a Science Fair Project

A detailed approach to converting the magic milk experiment into a science fair project involves several steps. Initially, children should research the chemistry behind the reaction and present their findings. The materials needed should be listed neatly in a chart or table, including whole milk, food coloring, dish soap, and optional additions like vinegar or baking soda. A recording sheet or worksheet is essential to track results, and a video can capture the process, documenting the experiment for review. This project can be presented at the science fair, showcasing the understanding of the reaction between milk’s minerals and the soap.

Experiment Variations and Tests

Experimentation can continue by varying the materials needed , such as using different types of milk to observe the effect of different vitamins and minerals on the reaction. For example, testing skim milk versus whole milk can reveal the role of fat in the experiment. Adding substances like vinegar and baking soda introduces an acid-base reaction, which can offer even more insights into the underlying chemistry . Encourage kids to predict the outcomes, use a recording sheet to document the changes, and if possible, have a parent assist in creating a more structured experiment. These variations help children understand scientific testing and encourage curiosity about how everyday household items can create striking chemical reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section covers some of the most common inquiries regarding the execution and understanding of the magic milk experiment, providing insightful answers that enhance comprehension of the experiment’s principles and variables.

How does the type of milk affect the outcome of the magic milk experiment?

The type of milk used in the magic milk experiment influences the reaction because the fat content affects the spreading of food coloring. Whole milk, with its higher fat content, tends to produce more vibrant and pronounced reactions compared to low-fat or skim milk.

What is the role of dish soap in the magic milk science experiment?

Dish soap is crucial in the magic milk science experiment as it reduces the surface tension of milk, allowing the food coloring to spread rapidly. The soap reacts with the milk’s fat molecules, creating the burst of color movement observed during the experiment.

Can the magic milk experiment be performed with non-dairy milks, and if so, how do the results compare?

Performing the experiment with non-dairy milks is possible, and while the reactions can still occur due to the presence of surfactants in the soap, the results may vary because these milk alternatives generally have different fat compositions, which affects the reaction dynamics and visual effects.

What is the chemical reaction that occurs during the magic milk science experiment?

During the magic milk experiment , the dish soap disrupts the milk’s fat molecules and reduces surface tension, causing movement in the food coloring. Although commonly referred to as a chemical reaction, it is actually a physical reaction involving the rearrangement of molecules.

How do different food colorings affect the results of the magic milk experiment?

Different food colorings can be used to vividly assess the reaction dynamics in the magic milk experiment. The variety in colors does not impact the underlying reaction but enables a more visually engaging way to observe the effects of surface tension changes on the liquid’s movement patterns.

What observations can lead to a scientific hypothesis in the context of the magic milk experiment?

Observers can hypothesize about the relationship between milk’s fat content and reaction vividness, or how the concentration and type of dish soap influence the speed and extent of color movement. These hypotheses can be tested by altering variables and noting changes in the experiment’s results .

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Magic Milk Science Experiment

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This magic milk science experiment is a classic for kids of all ages. Using common, nontoxic kitchen supplies, the kids will create vibrant art while learning about the science behind the swirling colors that truly makes this experiment magical.

Get Ready for the Magic Milk Science Experiment:

This science experiment only requires a few common kitchen supplies:

• Milk (we used whole milk)
• Casserole dish, baking pan, or plate
• Food coloring
• Liquid dish soap (make sure it is NOT antibacterial)
• Magic Milk Printable

Print out a couple of copies of the free printable worksheet available below so the kids could keep track of their results.

Once we gathered our supplies, we sat at the kitchen table to do our science experiment. Pour a thin layer of milk into the dish and then the kids chose a few colors they wanted to use.

The kids then squeezed a couple of drops of food coloring into the milk in their dish .

Then, carefully, they dripped one drop of dish soap right into the middle of the colored milk .

Oh my, were there squeals of delight and surprise as they watched the colors scatter like fireworks!

The milk continued to move and mix and scatter the colors as if by magic. It continued for several seconds before coming to rest.

The kids tried to drip more dish soap into the milk, but guess what? Nothing happened the second time around. Why not?

The Science Behind Magic Milk

There are a couple of things going on that explain what is happening behind the magic of magic milk.

First, all liquids have this effect called surface tension . It basically means that the molecules on the surface of the liquid bead together in a little dome because of their molecular bonds. If you have ever filled a cup of water past the rim of the glass you may have noticed how the water forms a dome on top and somehow stays suspended a little above the rim. This is because of surface tension.

In this magic milk experiment the milk and food coloring form a little dome .

However, when dish soap is poured over the surface, the surface tension is broken because the dish soap breaks those bonds . This causes the colored milk to spread out like a flood over the surface of the milk.

The second effect at work here has to do with the interaction between the fat molecules in the milk and the soap molecules .

Soap is made up of two sides:

• one side loves water (it is hydrophilic)
• the other side loves fat and oil (it is hydrophobic).

Soap works by grabbing oils by its hydrophobic side and bonding with water by its hydrophilic side. When the soap is washed away with water, it takes the oils and fats along with it.

When dish soap is dropped into milk, there is a swirl of activity of soap molecules finding and bonding with fat molecules in the milk. With millions of molecules swirling around looking for mates, the colors in the milk get all mixed up! It looks like the milk is erupting for several seconds.

You may notice if you try this magic milk experiment once with whole milk and once with skim that the whole milk swirls for much longer because of the higher fat content in the milk .

If the kids want to repeat this artistic science experiment (they will) be sure to wash the dish out well with warm water and then pour in fresh milk to do it again. Once the milk is contaminated with soap it loses its “magic”.

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12 comments.

July 22, 2020 at 6:44 pm

who is the author of this amazing website

April 24, 2022 at 2:22 pm

I was just looking for this info for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your website. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Normally the top websites are full of garbage.

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Magic Milk Science Experiment

January 11, 2023 By Emma Vanstone 4 Comments

This easy  magic milk science investigation is fantastic fun for kids of all ages. All you need is whole milk, food colouring and a little dish soap to create crazy colour explosions. Older children can use this activity to learn about emulsions .

The reaction that gives the colourful display is between the fat molecules in the milk and dish soap. This is why whole milk is the best to use.

How to set up a magic milk investigation

You’ll need.

A shallow tray

Food colouring

Washing up liquid ( dish soap )

Instructions

1. Pour a layer of milk into your baking tray or plate.

2. Gently drip a few drops of food colouring onto the surface of the milk – spread these out.

3. Add drops of the washing-up liquid on top of the food dye and watch what happens.

Safety:  Do not drink the milk after.

What do you think of our magic milk display?

Why does it work?

Think about why we use dish soap in everyday life. It’s to clean our dishes and break down the fat that makes them greasy. Milk is mainly tiny droplets of animal fat dispersed in water; whole milk has a higher fat content than semi-skimmed, which is why it’s the best one to use. The washing-up liquid/dish soap breaks down the fat in the milk. We call it an emulsifier as it allows the water and fat to mix, creating an emulsion. The emulsifier (dish soap) molecules have a water-loving head and a water-hating tail. The tail sticks into the fat droplet and surrounds it, leaving only the water-loving heads. This allows the fat to mix with the water! While doing that, it scatters the food colouring molecules, giving the colourful display you see.

Properties of emulsions

Emulsions are thicker (more viscous) than oil or water and have many uses thanks to their unique properties.

Examples of emulsions in the kitchen

Salad dressings

Other examples are paint and some cosmetics.

Immiscible liquids

Immiscible liquids are those that don’t mix to form a solution.

Examples of Immiscible liquids

Vegetable oils do not dissolve in water. We can use this property of oil and water to make a density jar .

If a mixture of oil and water is shaken and then left to stand, tiny droplets of oil float upwards, and eventually, the two liquids will separate: a layer of oil will form on the surface of the water. However, if an emulsifier is added to the oil and water, a mixture called an emulsion forms, and the oil and water do not separate.

Extension task for magic milk experiment

Try testing different dish soaps to see if they all have the same effect.

Experiment with whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk.

Try one of my other exciting chemistry experiments .

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Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

January 23, 2018 at 6:17 pm

We have done this with whole milk, 2%, fat free, cashew milk and non dairy creamers- they all work. The kids (6-11) like the version with q-tip dabbing soap in. They also experimented with placement of food color droplets.

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