Rainbow Potions is a colorful science experiment NEVER gets old! Alexander told me he wanted to do an explosion experiment and so I pulled this one together in a few minutes and it kept him occupied for over 30 minutes! 🙌
And don’t forget to check out my NEW book – Super Simple Science Experiments for Curious Kids is full of fun, simple, science experiments you can do at home with materials you already have around the house!
Rainbow Potions Science Experiment Video
Check out the below video to see the Rainbow Potions in action:
Materials Needed For Rainbow Potions
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- Large glass pan
- Test tube set or small glasses (we found this set at Michaels)
- Funnel (optional)
- Baking soda
- Food coloring
- Dish soap
- White Vinegar
- Dropper
- Chopstick or mixer
How to Make Rainbow Potions
- Start by placing the test tubes in the glass pan.
- Fill the test tubes about 1/3 full of baking soda (use a funnel if needed)
- Add some food coloring to each test tube. We went in rainbow order.
- Add a drop of dish soap to each test tube.
- Have your child use the dropper to add vinegar tot he test tubes and watch the rainbow potions happen!
- Once the bubbles subside, use a chopstick to mix the baking soda and watch the bubbles start all over again.
- Add more vinegar.
- Repeat steps 5-7 over and over!
Why It Happens
This experiment demonstrates a classic acid-base reaction. When baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) are mixed, bubbles of carbon dioxide gas form causing the potion to foam and bubble.
More Science Experiments
Looking for more simple science experiments to do at home? Check out my new book, Super Simple Science Experiments for Curious Kids, or try some of our favorites below:
