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Fireworks in a Cup


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  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 visual display
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Create stunning visual displays reminiscent of fireworks using simple household materials in a clear glass.


Ingredients

  • Clear drinking glass (tall and narrow)
  • Vegetable oil (2-3 tablespoons)
  • Food coloring (4-6 drops)
  • Warm water (about 1 cup)
  • Mixing tools (small bowl, fork or toothpick)
  • Optional: Glow-in-the-dark food coloring, Alka-Seltzer tablets, liquid watercolors, glitter, blacklight

Instructions

  1. Setup Your Station: Cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic mat. Place your clear glass on a white plate or tray.
  2. Temperature Check: Heat water to just warm, around 100°F/38°C.
  3. Color Selection: Choose complementary colors that will create nice contrasts.
  4. Water Base: Fill your glass 3/4 full with warm water.
  5. Color Mixing: In a separate bowl, pour oil and add food coloring, then gently stir.
  6. The Big Reveal: Slowly drizzle the oil mixture into the water and observe the colors disperse.

Notes

  • Too hot water will make oil separate too quickly; too cold will slow the effect.
  • Experiment with different oil varieties for different effects.
  • Adding Alka-Seltzer can create additional motion.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Science Experiment
  • Method: Visual Demonstration
  • Cuisine: N/A

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: N/A
  • Calories: N/A
  • Sugar: N/A
  • Sodium: N/A
  • Fat: N/A
  • Saturated Fat: N/A
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: N/A
  • Fiber: N/A
  • Protein: N/A
  • Cholesterol: N/A