How to Do a 4th of July Fireworks Experiment

With the 4th of July this week, we decided to do some activities centered around the holiday. One of the things we did was a science experiment to create some fireworks in water. All of my kids really enjoyed this activity. We ended up doing the fireworks experiment multiple times. I will talk about some adaptations you can do below. 

How Does it Work?

One of the goals of doing some science experiments is also learning what makes it happen. Not only do I love watching my kids’ reactions to different experiments, but I also love to explain why it happens. For this experiment, food coloring dissolves in water but not oil. Oil and water do not mix. When you place the oil and food coloring mixture in water it floats to the top. As the food coloring sinks and reaches the water, it will start to dissolve.

Supplies

• Water
• Oil
• Liquid Food Coloring
• Clear container
• Another container
• Fork

How to:

1. Fill a clear container with room-temperature water.
2. Fill the other container with oil (about 2 tablespoons).
3. Add 2 drops of food coloring to the oil.
4. Stir the oil and food coloring with a fork.
   1. The goal is to break the food coloring into small drops.
5. Pour the oil and food coloring into the container with water. 
6. Watch and enjoy!
   1. The food coloring should separate and sink slowly.

Adaptations of the Experiment

If you want to make a 4th of July craft, come check out what we made here.