This oil and water color changing lab is a super fun science experiment for kids. It’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers!
There is something amazing about color mixing, and mixing oil and water makes an easy kids science experiment. Kids love watching the process of colors changing right before their eyes.
With a bit of water, food coloring, and oil, kids will not only learn about how to mix colors, but about liquid density at the same time! We also have Ocean Zone Density Tower and Unicorn Density Tower experiments.
Kids Science Experiment with Oil and Water
Little scientists will have a blast with this hands-on science activity.
This simple kids science experiment mixes the best parts of several classic science experiments.
Liquid density, color theory, and the scientific method are all combined into this super fun activity that is perfect for preschool through second grade.
Having fun with kids science experiment ideas
One of the best things about this is that it isn’t just for those who are homeschooling. The oil and water changing lab idea is perfect for keeping kids busy and learning at the same time.
All kinds of education can come from simple everyday activities. Teaching your children while playing is a natural process, and this is a perfect way to do this with any age!
Grab the supplies you already have on hand in your kitchen for this fun kids science experiment that is a cool oil and water color changing lab designed just for children.
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Supplies Needed for Oil and Water Science Experiment
- Oil (vegetable oil or baby oil)
- Food coloring or liquid watercolors
- Clear plastic cups
Directions for Oil and Water Kids Science Experiment
Fill each cup about 3/4 of the way with oil and 1/4 of the way with water. Let the water settle to the bottom completely.
Have your child drop one color of food coloring into each cup. We just did three different colors, but you could try as many as you like to make tons of different color combinations.
Watch as the food coloring slowly descends to the bottom of the cup.
If the drops are small enough, you might have to give the cup a little shake to get the food coloring drop to descend faster.
Add a second color to the same cup. We chose to mix red and blue, red and yellow, and blue and yellow to make purple, orange, and green.
Because the liquid falls slowly through the water, it takes a little bit of time for the colors to fully mix.
When the colors are mixed, talk about why the colors changed and how different colors can combine to make other colors.
Let the kids experiment with making as many colors as they can.
Have fun watching your kids eyes light up as they discover something new and learn from these simple kitchen items!
More Science Experiments:
- Melting Rainbow Baking Soda Experiment
- Fizzy Pink Bath Bombs Valentine’s Day Experiment
- Balloon Air Pressure Demonstration
- Unicorn Density Tower
- Ocean Zones Density Tower
- Candy Rainbow Experiment
More Kids Activities:
- Indoor Activities for Kids on Rainy Days
- 20 Superhero Activities for Kids
- 15 Disney Themed Craft Activities for Kids
Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.