Evidence-based curriculum for ages 2-8

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How To Make Your Very Own Rainbow In a Cup

Dive into the fascinating world of science with a colorful, hands-on experiment: making a rainbow in a cup! This simple activity creates a stunning visual effect while teaching the principles of water density in a way that’s easy and fun for kids to understand. So, let’s mix a little science with a dash of magic and make your very own rainbow!

The Science Behind the Rainbow

This experiment is a playful introduction to the concept of density. Density refers to how much stuff (mass) is packed into a certain amount of space (volume). By dissolving varying amounts of sugar in water and adding different colors, we can see how different density levels interact, creating a beautiful rainbow effect.

What You’ll Need to Create a Rainbow in a Cup

  • Warm water
  • Food coloring
  • Sugar
  • Five clear cups

Instructions for Making a Rainbow in a Cup:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Set Up Your Workspace

Supplies needed for a DIY art craft. Sugar, food coloring, warm water, and a clear cup.

Before starting your rainbow creation, make sure you’ve gathered all the necessary materials from the list above.

Clear a comfortable workspace where you can spread out your materials.

Step 2: Fill the Cups with Sugar

Using increasing increments, fill the first cup with two tablespoons of sugar and then increase by one tablespoon for each of the following five cups.

The last cup should have six tablespoons of sugar.

Add 2 tbsp. of sugar to the first cup & increase by 1 tbsp. to the following cup.

Step 3: Add the Water

Adding a 1/4 cup of water to each cup for a fun colorful DIY experiment brought to you by ABCmouse.

Fill your five cups with ¼ cup of warm water each.

Step 4: Add the Colors of the Rainbow

Now the fun part! Drop different colors of rainbow food coloring into each cup. You’ll have five bowls of colorful sugar water, each a bit heavier than the last.

Be sure to stir each cup until the color is blended and the sugar is dissolved.

Adding food coloring to a cup with sugar and water for a fun science experiment.

Step 5: Layer the Colors

A rainbow in a cup. Layered colors in a cup for a stunning visual appeal.

Begin with the heaviest cup (the one with the most sugar). Pour it gently into a larger clear cup. Then, take the next heaviest mixture and let it gently cascade over the back of a spoon into the cup to keep the layers from crashing into each other. Keep going until you’ve used all your cups of colored sugar water.

Creating this Rainbow in a Cup is like being a kitchen wizard! You’re playing with colors, learning about how different ‘weighted’ liquids don’t mix, and seeing science in action in a way that’s totally spellbinding.