Wanna See a Magic Trick?

Of course you do! Need to impress friends, family, or significant others? Blind them with the power of SCIENCE!

So here's what you need. A deepish plate, food coloring, Q-tips, dish soap, and whole milk, 2%, half and half, something with fat. 

Drop yer food colorings near each other in the middle of the dish. Then, take a Q-tip, dip it in some soap, and touch the colors...

Whoa!

Egad!

Inconceivable! 

So why does this happen? Dish soap contains stuff that's supposed to break down proteins and fats...substances found in milk. The soap also contains something called surfactants, which lower surface tension, making things more spready. The reaction between the soap and the fats and proteins, combined with the lowered surface tension, causes this swirly effect! 

This is fun to do with kids. And college students. Hope you enjoyed this little lesson in food + science!