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Magic Rainbow Ice DIY Science Kit

Create a visually stunning and educational science experiment with this easy DIY Magic Rainbow Ice Kit. Perfect for sparking curiosity and endless fun!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 1 kit
Course: Activity, Science Experiment
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Magic Rainbow Ice
  • 2 cups baking soda approximately
  • 1 cup water approximately, plus a bit extra
  • multiple colors food coloring
For the Reaction
  • vinegar white vinegar works best
  • 1 pinch fine craft glitter optional, for extra sparkle
  • 1 drop kid-friendly essential oil optional, e.g., lavender or orange

Equipment

  • Standard ice cube tray (12–14 compartments)
  • Small mixing cups or bowls (one per color)
  • Pipettes or droppers (optional)
  • Tray or baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Place your ice cube tray on a sturdy tray or baking sheet to contain any mess.
  2. Step 2: In small mixing cups (one per color), combine a few tablespoons of baking soda. Add 3–5 drops of your chosen food coloring to each cup. Slowly add about a teaspoon of water at a time, stirring until you achieve a damp sand consistency.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the colorful baking soda mixtures into each compartment of the ice cube tray. You can layer colors for a unique effect.
  4. Step 4: Freeze the tray for at least 2 hours, or until the cubes are completely frozen and solid.
  5. Step 5: Once frozen, gently remove the colorful ice cubes from the tray and place them back onto your tray or baking sheet.
  6. Step 6: Using pipettes or droppers, add a drop or two of vinegar onto the frozen cubes to initiate the fizzing, colorful reaction.

Notes

Add fine craft glitter or kid-friendly essential oils to the baking soda mixture for extra sparkle and scent. Lemon juice can be used as an alternative to vinegar for a slightly different acidic reaction. Use silicone candy molds for fun shapes instead of ice cube trays.