Pour some milk into a saucer (ignoring your cat: this is for the cause of science).
Drop four different colour drops of food colouring near the edge of the saucer.
In the centre, add one drop of dishwashing detergent.
… and watch the result!
Get the Unit of Work on Mixtures here!
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- What are the different techniques?
- From chromatography to magnetism, join us to explore the variety of ways we can separate mixtures!
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Why Does This Happen:
The drop of detergent reduces the surface tension of the milk at the same point where it dissolves the fat molecules in the milk. The higher surface tension of the surrounding milk pulls the surface of the milk away from this spot dragging the food dye with it.
The food dye begins to swirl as the detergent breaks down the fats within the milk, and as the fats break down the water carries the food dye to where the fats used to be filling the newly available space.
Variables to test
- Try different types of milk. Do they all work?
- Does the temperature of the milk matter?
From colour changes to slimy science, we’ve got your kitchen chemistry covered!
Get in touch with FizzicsEd to find out how we can work with your class.
Chemistry Show
Years 3 to 6
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STEM Full Day Accelerator - Primary
Designed from real classroom experiences, this modular day helps you create consistently effective science learning that directly address the new curriculum with easily accessible and cost-effective materials.
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