This cool magic milk experiment is fun to do and you likely have everything you need on hand. Got milk? Food coloring and dish soap? Then you are all set to do this colorful kitchen experiment!

Why this experiment works

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This magic milk experiment uses the simplest of ingredients and I’m going to bet you won’t need to go to the store!

Food coloring is less dense than the milk causing it to remain suspended in the fat molecules of the milk. When you add the dish soap, that breaks up the fat molecules, making the food coloring spread across the surface of the milk. Think of it like washing butter off your hands. The hand soap makes the fat in the butter separate, causing it to break up.

Craft supplies you will need

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Helpful Project Information:

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• Age Level: 3 and up
• Mess Factor: Low (food coloring can stain fingers)
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Time to Complete: less than 5 minutes
• Cost Estimate: Less than $1.00

How to Perform the Magic Milk Experiment

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These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!

1. Pour enough milk into a shallow dish or plate to cover the bottom.

2. Place several drops of food coloring into the center of the milk. Repeat with additional colors.

3. Squeeze one drop of dish soap into the center of the food coloring and what the magic milk in action!

4. Another alternative is to dip a cotton swab into dish soap then dip that swab into the center of the food coloring.

Expert Tips & FAQs

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• If really small children will be present, they can participate by pouring milk in using a small cup.
• After the design seems to lose action, you can add another drop of dish soap near the edge and watch all over again.
• Do not use gel food coloring. The density and volume of such a food coloring is not heavier than milk and the experiment won’t work.

This magic milk experiment is super fun for both kids and adults. The first time I tried it I was just as excited as the kids were!

More Science Crafts

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• Balloon Experiment for Kids
• How to Make a Rubber Band Car
• Homemade Floam
• Colorful Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction
• Coffee Ground Fossils

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This post originally appeared here on Mar 8, 2011 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.