How to Make a Rainbow in a Jar – A Fun Science Experiment for Children
Add some color and learning to your day with this easy and fun rainbow in a jar experiment! Using common household ingredients, your child can explore the science of liquid density and create a beautiful rainbow right in a jar. This rainbow in a jar science experiment is perfect for preschoolers and early learners ages 3+ with adult supervision.
Watch the full step-by-step video here:
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Tall glass or jar
- Food coloring (red, green and purple)
- Honey
- Blue dish soap (non-toxic)
- Water
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- GROWN-UP STEP: Rubbing alcohol or baby oil
How to Make a Rainbow in a Jar: Step-by-Step Instructions:
Parents, your little ones can help you stir and pour the liquids to make the rainbow, but be sure to supervise closely and remind them that this is not a tasting activity!
- Mix honey and purple food coloring together in a small bowl. Carefully pour the mixture into the bottom of the jar. This is your heaviest layer.
- Slowly add blue dish soap on top of the honey layer. Pour gently to avoid mixing the colors.
- Mix water and green food coloring, then pour into the jar. Again, do this step slowly so the layers remain separated.
- Add olive oil or vegetable oil to the jar to form the next layer in your rainbow.
- GROWN-UP STEP: Mix rubbing alcohol or baby oil with red food coloring in a separate container. Carefully pour it into the jar to complete your rainbow!
Why This Works
This rainbow in a jar science experiment is a hands-on way to introduce your child to the concept of liquid density. Each liquid has a different weight, or density, which is why the heavier ones sink to the bottom and the lighter ones float on top. It’s science you can see, and it just happens to be beautiful, too!
If your child enjoyed this rainbow in a jar experiment, try these other hands-on science activities for kids, including another colorful salty ice experiment!