Exciting Magic Milk Science Experiment for Kids (2024)

If you are looking for a simple science activity to do with the kids, then look no further! This magic milk science experiment is perfect for you! It amazes the kids every time and it is super easy to do too! Just grab a few household supplies and have a blast with magic milk!

Anytime that a science experiment excites the kids and only takes me a couple of minutes to set up, I feel like a total winner. This one did not disappoint.

*Note: This should be done with adult supervision at all times.

You probably already have all of the supplies in your home and it is something you can do again and again. Keep reading and I will show you how simple this is.

Another thing I love about this science activity is that even preschoolers can participate and enjoy it. My four-year-old thought it was amazing and she was fully able to participate in the whole thing.

Magic Milk Science Experiment

To set up the magic milk science experiment, you only need to grab a few supplies.

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That’s all you need! I bet you have most of them already.

Watch the Magic Milk Experiment Video

Magic Milk Experiment Instructions

It’s super simple to set up.

1. Pour a thin layer of milk in a shallow pan.

2. Have the kids add drops of food coloring all around in the milk.

3. Then the kids will pick up a cotton swab and dip it in the dish soap.

4. Then put the cotton swab in the milk – pressing it down in one spot and holding it there for about 15 seconds.

Watch what happens! There will be lots of ooohs and ahhhs. And maybe even some questions about what it is happening.

That’s where you can come in and ask a few questions.

How Does the Magic Milk Experiment Work?

Here are some questions to ask the kids:

  1. What did you notice?
  2. What happened when you put the cotton swab in the milk?
  3. Why do you think that happened?
  4. Why do you think it stopped moving around after a period of time?
  5. What else did you observe?

After you have discussed this, then you can explain the science behind it. Because I share activities for parents and teachers of young children, I am going to explain this in simple terms.

Milk is made up of minerals, proteins and fats. When the dish soap enters the milk the fat begins to break up. The soap molecules run around and try to attach to the fat molecules in the milk. Normally this process would be invisible to you, but the food coloring helps you to see all of the movement taking place.

Press another dish soap covered cotton swab into the milk and see if there are anymore fat molecules that haven’t been found. If you still see movement, there were still some fat molecules on the loose!

To read a more detailed explanation of what is taking place during this science investigation, check out this article from Steve Spangler.

Expand on the Magic Milk Experiment

Try the magic milk experiment with 1%, 2% and whole milk. Observe what happens and keep a record of how the milk behaves with each type of milk. Did you notice a difference?

If you do this with water will the colors still move all around like they did in the milk?

More Simple Science for Young Kids

These Simple Science Experiments for Preschool are sure to be favorites for the kids!

If you enjoyed this science experiment, then you will love this lava lamp science activity! It is super simple and really, really fun!

Or give this leak-proof bag science activity a try. It will AMAZE your kids.

Magic Milk FAQ

What is magic milk?

Milk is made up of minerals, proteins and fats. When the dish soap enters the milk the fat begins to break up. The soap molecules run around and try to attach to the fat molecules in the milk. Normally this process would be invisible to you, but the food coloring helps you to see all of the movement taking place.

How to make magic milk?

1. Pour a thin layer of milk in a shallow pan.
2. Have the kids add drops of food coloring all around in the milk.
3. Then the kids will pick up a cotton swab and dip it in the dish soap.
4. Then put the cotton swab in the milk – pressing it down in one spot and holding it there for about 15 seconds.
Watch what happens! There will be lots of ooohs and ahhhs. And maybe even some questions about what it is happening.

How long does magic milk last?

In general, milk in the magic milk science experiment should not sit out of the refrigerator or cooler for longer thantwo hours.

Exciting Magic Milk Science Experiment for Kids (2024)
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