Fireworks in a Glass – 4th of July Science Experiment

What would 4th of July be without fireworks? The following science experiment will demonstrate how students can create “fireworks” that are safe and fun and will illustrate some basic tenets of our Christian faith.

Material:

– Water – Oil – Food coloring (red and blue) – Tall clear glass – A second cup or glass – Fork

Introduction:

Why do we like fireworks? They’re pretty. They explode. In almost every part of the world fireworks are used to celebrate glorious events because they fill the sky with color and joy. In our country, however, they signify the sounds of cannons and guns used as we fought for our freedom in the Revolutionary War. Psalm 30:5 says, “Trials may endure for a night; but joy comes in the morning.” Today we are still celebrating the joy that God brought to all of us. Let’s do an experiment to show how God’s love is like fireworks:

Instructions:

– Fill the tall glass almost to the top with warm, but not hot, water.

– Pour about one to two tablespoons of any kind of cooking oil into the other glass.

– Add one drop of blue and one drop of red food colors.

– Give the mixture a brief stir with a fork. This will break up the food coloring into small drops, but not thoroughly mix the liquid. – Pour the oil and coloring mixture into a tall glass. – The food coloring will slowly sink in the glass, with each droplet expanding outward as it falls, resembling fireworks falling into the water.

Explanation:

Food coloring dissolves in water, but not in oil. When you stir the food coloring in the oil, you are breaking up the coloring droplets. Drops that come into contact with each other will merge: A blue dot and a red dot will make a purple dot. Oil is less dense than water, so the oil will float at the top of the glass. As the colored drops sink to the bottom of the oil, they mix with the water. The color diffuses outwardly as the heavier colored drop falls to the bottom.

Conclusion

Think of those red and blue drops of food coloring as drops of love and faith that God sends down into our lives daily. Just like the drops explode in water, the love of God explodes in our lives, giving us great commitment, faith and vision!   Looking for more great science experiment ideas?  Then be sure to check out our Bible Science area!  And don’t forget to Become a Fan on Facebook, Follow Us on Twitter and Come Hangout with Us on Google+!