purposeful play

Rainbow Jello Science Experiment

hands-on summer activity for kids

This Rainbow Jello Science Experiment for kids is a super fun, hands-on summer activity your kids will love!  This simple STEM experiment smells AMAZING, only requires a few ingredients and will keep your kids engaged for quite awhile. Keep reading for the step by step instructions and to shop this project!

purpose

  • Builds new brain connections
  • Increases your child’s ability to absorb what they are learning
  • Has a calming effect
  • Helps develop memory skills
  • Develops fine motor and language skills
  • Encourages self control
  • Experiments with cause and effect
  • Explores chemical reactions in a safe, colorful way

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directions

How to do the
Rainbow Jello Science Experiment

  • Add a full box of red Cherry Jell-O to a clear jar or cup
  • Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda to the jar/cup
  • Mix the baking soda and jell-o together 
  • Repeat the process with the other 5 colors of the rainbow
  • Orange: Orange Jell-O
  • Yellow: Lemon Jello-O
  • Green: Lime Jello-O
  • Blue: Berry Blue Jello-O
  • Purple : Grape Jell-O
  • Add lemon juice to a squirt bottle
  • You can also use vinegar instead of lemon juice. We just like to use lemon because it smells really good!
  • Time to head outside! 
  • Line up the cups somewhere outside 
  • Squirt lemon Juice into each cup
  • Watch the erupting rainbow volcanoes!
  • Continue adding lemon juice (or vinegar)
  • This experiment can last a long time as long as you have lemon juice-so be sure to have plenty on hand!

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summer learning

What is the
science behind the
Rainbow Jello Science Experiment?

  • It’s a chemical reaction
  • Baking soda is the base
  • Lemon Juice is the acid
  • When a base and an acid are mixed together- a gas called carbon dioxide is formed causing the bubbling reaction
  • Chemistry
  • Chemical reaction
  • Base
  • Acid
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Gas

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Hello there! I'm Sarah Britton and I am so excited you stopped by! Join me as we explore simple yet effective ways to create purposeful play opportunities for your child.

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