Science Question: What is Diffusion?
When molecules move from a place where there are lots of molecules and spread out to a much larger space where there are fewer molecules, that’s called diffusion.
Supplies:
• 2 Cups water
• Microwave safe bowl
• 3 Packages of gelatin
• Spoon
• Cookie sheet
• Straw
• Food colouring
The experiment:
Pour the water into a microwave safe bowl and have a parent microwave it until the water is boiling, and then carefully remove the bowl with oven mitts. Pour all 3 packages of gelatin. Stir with a spoon until dissolved. Pour your mixture onto a cookie sheet and let it harden overnight.
Take your straw and poke holes in the gelatin mixture about 3 inches (7.5cm) apart. Drop 2 or 3 drops of food colouring into each hole and let it sit for 2 to 3 hours.
The outcome:
The food colouring spreads out in a perfect circle around each hole.
Why it worked:
This is diffusion, when the food colouring spreads from one place to cover a larger area.
Variation: Add glitter to your mix or use cookie cutters to make gelatin window clings!
Did you know? In the early 1900s immigrants were offered Jell-O when they moved to the US as a “Welcome to America” gift.
Source: The 101 Coolest simple Science Experiments by Rachel Miller, Holly Homer & Jamie Harrington.