Science experiments are always an easy way to engage students and activate learning. Simple science experiments can be done in small groups where students can work through the scientific method and report back on their findings. Color Bursts, the experiment below, is perfect for discussing the density of liquids, specifically oil, water, and food coloring, while creating colorful results.
Color Bursts
Objective: To determine the density of oil, water, and food coloring by measuring the amount of time it takes for the food coloring to separate from the oil and flow into the water.
Prediction Questions:
- What will happen to the food coloring when it is added to the oil?
- What will happen to the oil when it is added to the water?
- How will the food coloring effect the water?
Materials:
Clear container (recycled and washed plastic peanut butter jars work well)
Plastic cup
Food coloring (red, green, yellow, and blue)
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 Cups water
Safety goggles
Stopwatch
Plastic spoon
Procedure:
- Put on safety goggles.
- Fill the clear container 3/4 of the way with plain tap water.
- In the plastic cup, pour 2 Tablespoons of oil.
- Place three drops of each food coloring color in the oil. Stir gently.
- Pour the oil and food coloring into the clear container with the water.
- Start the stopwatch and observe how long it takes for the food coloring to separate from the oil.
Conclusion/Follow-Up Questions:
- What happened when the food coloring was added to the oil?
- What happened when the oil and food coloring were added to the water?
- How long did it take for the food coloring to separate from the oil?
- How, if at all, did the water change when the food coloring separated?
- What might have changed the results of the experiment?
- What can you tell about the density of oil, water, and food coloring? Which one is the most dense?
Extension Activities:
Relate the experiment to oil spills and clean-up.
Discuss the effects of pollution, especially oil, on sea creatures.
Read and discuss Oliver and the Oil Spill by Aruna Chandrasekhar, a student author, and have students create their own story about being environmentally aware.
Libby Springer says
What a neat idea! I like the follow up questions because the students could write about their experiences after they do the experiment. Writing in every subject is key!
Monica Brock says
My kids love science!! It’s a shame it often gets neglected bc of our 90 min reading block.
Martina Bauer says
I like this idea. You can also use cold water and hot water to see how much faster the hot water works. I will start collecting peanut butter jars this week.
Brittney says
What a cool idea! My kids love science! 🙂
Tina says
This is a neat idea. I use coloring to signal separation in oil and water. Since we plant in my room in baggies, this may be an easier way to do a view project extension.
Priscilla Milam says
This is an awesome idea! I had never thought of adding food coloring. Gonna have to try it with my 4th graders!