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Magic Milk Experiment and Painting

The Magic Milk Experiment was one of the first science activities my son experienced. I decided it was way past due to post it. I did not have my website at the time I did the experiment. It was cool to go back into time and see how little my boys were. Time truly flies when you are having fun. Young children may be unable to grasp the science behind the experiment but they can still have fun watching the colors dance around! 

What is the Milk Experiment? 


The milk experiment uses milk, food coloring and dish soap. The magic in the milk experiment is the demonstration of surface tension between molecules. Milk is comprised of  minerals, proteins and fats. 


When the milk combines with the dish the soap, it causes the fat molecules in the milk to break up. The molecules on the milk's surface have a strong connection with the dish soap's molecules. At the same time, the soap molecules try to attach to the milk's fat molecules. This causes a "film" or surface tension to occur. The food coloring allows you to see this otherwise invisible process. The dish soap breaks the surface tension and causes the milk to spread.


What You Will Need
                                          

  • milk
  • dish soap
  • container for dish soap                            
  • container or bowl to place the milk 
  • cotton swabs                                            
  • food coloring 

Magic Milk Experiment Steps

I enjoyed watching the magic in the milk experiment probably more than the kids. I decided to do the experiment as the milk was expiring. I try to find new uses for things and dislike the idea of wasting materials. 

1. The first thing I did was place the milk in container. I invited my toddler to add 2 drops of food coloring for each color: green, blue, yellow, orange, red. I admit we got a little carried away. But I could not help to see the excitement on his face. 


2. Dip a cotton swab into the container of dish soap. Place the cotton swab into the container with the milk. Watch the milk spread. Repeat this step to continue the milk to swirl.


3. I saw pictures of milk painting online and decided to take advantage of this opportunity to use this for milk painting. Do not swirl the colors too much or you will have black milk paint. (unless that is the look you are going for) lol.



4. Below is probably how mixed up you would like for the mixture to be. 



5. I recommend using fingerpaint paper or a heavier piece of paper. Copy paper and regular construction paper is too light and may rip. 


Here is the finished product:



Follow Beelieve Academy on Instagram for even more ideas! 

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