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

Shop this project!

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!

Keep the learning going with this FREE Weather Matching Printable! Sign up for our newsletter and get this printable sent directly to your inbox

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

More Rainbow Activities!

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.

Fall & Halloween Templates

Sign up to our email squad and get your hands on this HUGE set of Fall & Halloween cutout templates