Rainbow in a Jar Density Experiments

Have you ever tried making a Rainbow in a Jar project? If you haven’t tried this classic density experiment, I’m going to show you how easy it is to make with a few common household items! This rainbow science experiment is so pretty and will amaze your preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students. Try this rainbow experiment as part of a weather theme, St Patricks Day activity, a rainbow theme or a spring activity for kids.

rainbow in a jar

Get ready for a WOW spring science experiment for kids of all ages! This Rainbow in a jar experiment is a great way to teach density for kids in a meaningful and memorable way! Use this rainbow activities for preschoolers, toddler, kindergartners, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, grade 4, grade 5, and grade 6 students. Just grab a couple simple kitchen items, a jar, and get ready to create a BEAUTIFUL rainbow in a bottle! This density rainbow is a fun spring science.

Before we dive into this must try science experiment for kids, you need to understand what density is. Basically density i s how tigh the molecules are in a substance. If you dive into a ball pit with just a few balls you will sink down because you are more dense than the items in the ball pit. But, if the ball pit is jammed pack full, you may only go part way or lay across the top. The balls are more densly packed than you are.  In this density experiment for kids we will visually see how some items like corn syrup and honey are more dense, think about how S-L-O-W-L-Y they flow, than say water.  Ready to try?

We have lots more science experiments for kids – plus don’t miss the epic coca cola and mentos experiment, simple how to make Newton’s cradle project, 100 easy science experiments

rainbow density experiment

To make this stunningly beautiful rainbow science all you need is a few common materials you probably already have on hand:

• clear jar
• red, blue, green liquid food coloring
• honey
• blue dish soap
• water
• extra virgin olive oil (looks yellow)
• rubbing alcohol

rainbow in a jar experiment

Start off my mixing in a container  about 1/3 cup honey, one drop of red food coloring, and one drop of blue food coloring. Stir to make a purple color liquid. Now carefully pour the most dense liquid into a clear glass or plastic container. Take care not to get it on the side of the container as it will not look as cool

density rainbow experiment

Add in a good layer of blue dish soap. Again, the trick is to pour it VERY slowly to not mix up the food coloring at the bottom or it will mess up the colors. You can also use a pippette or turkey baster to slowly put the liquid exactly where you want it so it doesn’t run down the side of the jar.

rainbow in a jar science experiment

In a seperate container mix water and green food coloring. Carefully add the green liquid to your density jar. If you don’t have a pipette, tip the jar so the liquid runs down the side of the jar VERY slowly.

rainbow in a jar density experiment

Wait a few minutes to make sure your layers are settled and then add a layer of olive oil. Again, be very careful when pouring in the liquid so the colors don’t mix. Although the liquids would settle to the same spot, the food coloring would all mix together and make brown – not so pretty.

rainbow jar science experiment

Finally mix rubbing alcohol with red food coloring in a small container. Now carefully pour the red liquid into the density jar. Again go slowly or the food coloring will mix together and you wont get a pretty rainbow. The rubbing alcohol is the least dense liquid in your density in a jar experiment.

density rainbow in a jar

Isn’t this spring science project so fun! I love seeing the kids faces when they watch it all come together and the concept of density clicks! Plus you’ll love that this St patricks day science experient is so easy and uses common items you have around your home already!