cool magic science experiments

20 Science Experiments That Are Basically Magic

Are you looking for some seriously magic science experiments? These ideas will completely delight you and your kids!

If your kids are bored, or you’re just looking for something fun to do at home, science experiments are a great option! They can help you teach difficult science concepts, and provide your kids with something fun to do. Science experiments are so much fun, and my daughter loves them! However, not all science experiments are created equal!

This list of science experiments are basically magic! You wouldn’t believe your eyes or theirs when they do these experiments! No matter what age your child is, something here is sure to spark their curiosity. Here are 20 science experiments that are basically magic.

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1. How to Create a Foaming Rainbow

Ok, this is pretty much the coolest project EVER! And it takes only 3 ingredients! (4 if you count the paper cups). 

2. How Do Folded Mountains Form

Your budding geologist will love this easy experiment that show how mountains form.

3. Acids and Bases Experiment

This is a fun experiment where you can blow a balloon up without using your own breath!

4. Dissolving Marshmallows

I love this experiment because it asks kids to keep a science journal and come up with a hypothesis for what will happen.

5. How to Make Oobleck

Oh course we want to do something that will be a little messy and fun!

6. Firework Experiment

A great experiment about water, oil, and density. Also– it’s really pretty. 

7. Paper Chromatography

What happens when colors mix? This is a great experiment that teaches that concept.

8. Grow Gold Overnight

An awesome experiment in crystal making. This would be super cool for St. Patrick’s Day. 

9. DIY Magic Rainbow Rocks With Hidden Treasure Inside

Another fantastic experiment that includes a surprise! This is meant for younger kids but seriously, my 7 year old would go ga-ga for this activity!

10. How Do Penguins Stay Dry? Penguin Science Experiment

A fun experiment that talks about water absorption. And really.. penguins are just plain cute.

11. DIY Solar Oven Smores 

The perfect experiment to do on a hot hot summer day. Oh.. and chocolate!

12. Spring Butterfly Experiment

You can actually make your butterfly come to life in this fun and easy experiment.

13. Clear Slime

Usually it’s pretty hard to make clear slime.. but this method really works. 

14. Build a Wind Farm Science Activity

Kids can easily build their own wind farm and track the effects of wind power. Pretty cool experiment!

15. Sidewalk Paint Rockets

An explosive take on sidewalk chalk paint. Love it!

16. Easy Heart Pump Model

Wow. Your budding heart surgeon will be fascinated with this experiment.

17. Balloon Powered Sponge Boat

Anytime you can do an experiment that causes something to move… that is awesome.

18. Semipermeable Membrane STEAM Activity

A really cool experiment using coffee filters.

19. Homemade Rock Candy

Crystals and candy-making. How could that be any tastier?

20. Simple Heat Conduction Experiment

I love this experiment.. it’s a contest to see what kind of utensil will melt the butter faster.

Check out these fun science experiment ideas too!

• 4 Fun Kitchen Science Experiments to Conduct This Summer
• 15 Amazing Spring Science Experiments
• Edible Slime Recipes 
• Slime Recipes with 4 Ingredients of Less

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Science Experiments

Magic Milk Science Experiment – Amazing Explosion of Color!

Did you know that it is easy to turn ordinary milk into a rainbow of crazy colors? With only four common kitchen items, kids are thrilled by the color explosion created by the hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules in our magic ingredient!

Watch our demonstration video, then print out a materials list and instructions to plan for this simple and fun science experiment. Easy to understand explanation of how it works is included below.

JUMP TO SECTION: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works

Supplies Needed

• Milk (Must be either Whole or 2%)
• Food Coloring. The more colors the better
• Shallow Dish or Bowl

Magic Milk Science Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy Magic Milk Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

Magic Milk Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Pour some milk into a shallow dish or bowl until the milk covers the bottom.

Step 2 – Add some drops of food coloring on the milk. You can use a variety of colors, just be sure to add 3-4 drops of each color.

Step 3 – Add a drop of dish soap into the center of the milk.

Step 4 – Watch in amazement as the colors dances across the surface of the milk. Do you know what caused the colors to move around in the milk? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

Detailed Magic Rainbow Milk Science Experiment Step by Step Instructions

How Does the Science Experiment Work

The key to the dancing colors in this experiment is soap! Soap molecules consist of a hydrophilic (“water-loving”) end and a hydrophobic (“water-fearing”) end. Water molecules are polar molecules that can dissolve other polar molecules. Fat (and oil) molecules are nonpolar molecules, so they cannot dissolve in water.

Milk is a mixture of water, fat, vitamins and minerals. When soap is added to the milk, it helps to separate the water and fat in the milk. When soap is mixed in with the fat and water, the hydrophobic end of the soap molecule breaks up the nonpolar fat molecules, and the hydrophilic end of the soap molecule links up with the polar water molecules. Now that the soap is connecting the fat and water, the nonpolar fat molecules can be carried by the polar water molecules.

As the soap molecules connect to the fat molecules, the molecules of the food coloring get pushed around everywhere resulting in an explosion of color! As the majority of soap molecules attach to the fat molecules and the soap spreads throughout the milk, the color explosion will slow and eventually stop. Add more soap and see if there are more fat molecules that haven’t attached to soap – if there are unattached fat molecules still, the color explosion will begin again.

This experiment works best with 2% and whole milk because they contain more fat.

Other Ideas to Try

Try this experiment again using milk with different fat percentages. Try it with skim milk, 1% milk, 2% milk, whole milk, half and half, and cream. Consider even trying evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk. See how the amount of fat affects the explosion of color!

I hope you enjoyed the experiment as much as we did. Here are some printable instructions:

Magic Rainbow Milk Science Experiment

Instructions.

• Pour some milk into a shallow dish or bowl until the milk covers the bottom. Tip: Be sure to use either Whole or 2% Milk
• Add some drops of food coloring on the milk. You can use a variety of colors, just be sure to add 3-4 drops of each color.
• Add a drop of dish soap into the center of the milk
• Watch in amazement as the colors dances across the surface of the milk

Reader Interactions

November 11, 2019 at 6:47 pm

I did this in my science class and it worked really well! I looked at a lot of science experiments but couldn’t find one I liked and then I found this at the last minute and it was really good so thank you for sharing:)

April 12, 2023 at 9:03 pm

I agree, Emma. It has worked every time and was fun to watch! This explanation of the experiment is very informative. I have done this experiment a lot when I was younger. ☺️

August 19, 2020 at 11:48 am

It was pretty cool

October 19, 2021 at 8:33 pm

This was a really fun activity!

November 19, 2021 at 8:26 am

Because of this experiment I got to the finals of my Sci Expo

February 13, 2022 at 8:11 pm

It was actually pretty cool. I did this for my science project. Also, the colors came out really nice! i will definitely try again.

April 2, 2022 at 5:27 am

Thanks a million for these fantastic ideas and explanations!

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Science Fun

Magic Science Experiments

Easy magic science experiments you can do at home! Click on the experiment image or the view experiment link below for each experiment on this page to see the materials needed and procedure. Have fun trying these experiments at home or use them for SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT IDEAS.

Mystical Mustard Packet:

Walking On Eggs:

Don’t Scramble These Eggs

Quarter Catch:

Bending Straw Illusion:

Walk On Water:

Explore An Awesome Non-Newtonian Material

Magnetic Wand:

Diving Egg:

Disappearing Reflection:

Leakproof Baggie:

Poke Pencils Through A Baggie Of Water

Magic Water Cup:

Egg In A Bottle:

Balloon Pop! Not!

Friction Fun:

Friction Can Be Magically Fun

Fabulous Floating Rocks:

magic tricks & mind tricks

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17 Magical Science Experiments That Will Blow Your Mind [2024] ✨

• March 14, 2024
• Science Experiments

Have you ever wondered how magic tricks work? The art of illusion has captivated audiences for centuries, but did you know that there’s actually a scientific explanation behind many magic tricks? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of magical science experiments that will leave you in awe. Get ready to have your mind blown!

Table of Contents

Quick answer, quick tips and facts, background: the science behind magic, 1. mystical mustard packet, 2. walking on eggs, 3. quarter catch, 4. dry paper, 5. bending straw illusion, 6. walk on water, 7. magnetic wand, 8. diving egg, 9. disappearing reflection, 10. leakproof baggie, 11. magic water cup, 12. egg in a bottle, 13. balloon pop not, 14. friction fun, 15. fabulous floating rocks, 16. dry erase, recommended links, reference links.

Magic tricks are not just about sleight of hand and misdirection. They often involve scientific principles that create mind-boggling illusions. From walking on eggs to bending straws with your mind, these magical science experiments will leave you amazed and wanting to learn more. Get ready to unlock the secrets behind some of the most mind-blowing magic tricks!

• 👉 CHECK PRICE on: Magic Science Experiment Kits | Magic Supplies | Magic Books
• Magic tricks often rely on scientific principles such as chemistry, physics, and psychology.
• Practice and presentation are key to performing magic tricks successfully.
• Many magic tricks can be performed using everyday objects found around the house.
• Magic can be a great way to spark interest in science and encourage curiosity.

Magic and science may seem like two completely different worlds, but they are more closely related than you might think. The principles behind many magic tricks are rooted in scientific concepts. Understanding these concepts can help us unravel the mysteries behind the illusions.

For example, the art of misdirection relies on psychology and the brain’s ability to focus on one thing while ignoring others. Sleight of hand tricks often exploit the brain’s tendency to fill in missing information, creating the illusion of objects appearing or disappearing.

Physics plays a role in many magic tricks as well. Forces such as gravity, friction, and air pressure can be manipulated to create seemingly impossible feats. Chemistry is also a key player, with chemical reactions and properties used to create magical transformations.

Now that we have a better understanding of the science behind magic, let’s dive into some mind-blowing magical science experiments!

17 Mind-Blowing Magical Science Experiments

✨ Rating: 9.5/10 ✨

Have you ever seen a mustard packet magically change color? This simple yet impressive trick is all about chemistry. By mixing two colorless liquids inside the packet, a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in a vibrant color change. It’s a great way to amaze your friends and learn about chemical reactions at the same time!

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a mustard packet, a cup of water, and a small container of baking soda. Follow these steps:

• Fill the cup with water.
• Open the mustard packet and empty the contents into the cup of water.
• Add a small amount of baking soda to the cup.
• Watch as the mustard packet changes color right before your eyes!

✨ Rating: 8.5/10 ✨

Walking on eggs without breaking them may seem impossible, but with a little science, you can defy gravity! This experiment demonstrates the concept of weight distribution and the strength of eggshells.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a dozen eggs and a flat surface. Follow these steps:

• Place the eggs on a flat surface, making sure they are close together.
• Carefully step onto the eggs, distributing your weight evenly.
• Slowly shift your weight from one foot to the other, maintaining balance.
• Walk across the eggs without breaking a single one!

✨ Rating: 9/10 ✨

Can you catch a quarter off your elbow without dropping it? With a little practice and understanding of physics, you can master this impressive trick. The key is to create a centrifugal force that keeps the quarter in place as you catch it.

To perform this trick, you’ll need a quarter and some patience. Follow these steps:

• Place the quarter on your elbow, positioning your arm at a 90-degree angle.
• Quickly flick your arm downward, creating a circular motion.
• As the quarter falls, catch it with your hand before it hits the ground.
• Practice makes perfect, so keep trying until you master the technique!

✨ Rating: 7.5/10 ✨

Imagine being able to dunk a piece of paper in water and pull it out completely dry. This magical experiment is all about the properties of water and surface tension. By using a special solution, you can create a barrier that repels water, keeping the paper dry.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a bowl of water, a piece of paper, and a solution made of water and a hydrophobic substance like wax or oil. Follow these steps:

• Dip the piece of paper into the solution, making sure it is fully coated.
• Slowly lower the paper into the bowl of water.
• Watch as the paper remains dry, defying the laws of nature!
• Remove the paper from the water and marvel at the magic.

Have you ever seen a straw bend without anyone touching it? This mind-bending illusion is all about the science of light refraction. By placing a straw in a glass of water at a certain angle, you can create the illusion of a bent straw.

To perform this illusion, you’ll need a glass of water and a straw. Follow these steps:

• Fill the glass with water, leaving some space at the top.
• Place the straw in the glass, making sure it is partially submerged.
• Look at the straw from different angles and be amazed as it appears to bend!
• The bending is caused by the way light travels through water, creating an optical illusion.

Ever dreamt of walking on water? With a non-Newtonian fluid called oobleck, you can make this dream a reality. Oobleck is a mixture of cornstarch and water that behaves like a liquid when handled gently but turns solid under pressure.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a large container, water, and cornstarch. Follow these steps:

• Fill the container with water, leaving some space at the top.
• Slowly add cornstarch to the water, stirring until you achieve a gooey consistency.
• Step onto the oobleck and be amazed as it supports your weight!
• Walk, run, or jump on the oobleck and experience the magic of this non-Newtonian fluid.

✨ Rating: 8/10 ✨

With a simple magnetic wand, you can perform a magical experiment that seems to defy gravity. By using the power of magnetism, you can make objects move without touching them.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a magnetic wand and a selection of small magnetic objects. Follow these steps:

• Place the magnetic objects on a flat surface.
• Hold the magnetic wand above the objects without touching them.
• Move the wand around, and watch as the objects follow its magnetic field!
• Experiment with different objects and see how they react to the magnetic wand.

Can an egg dive into a glass of water without sinking? With a little science, you can make it happen! This experiment demonstrates the concept of inertia and the relationship between mass and acceleration.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a hard-boiled egg, a glass of water, and a small piece of cardboard. Follow these steps:

• Place the egg on top of the glass, making sure it is balanced.
• Quickly push the cardboard down into the glass, trapping the egg inside.
• Watch as the egg dives into the water without sinking!
• The egg’s inertia keeps it in motion, allowing it to dive into the water before coming to a stop.

Have you ever looked in a mirror and seen your reflection disappear? This magical experiment is all about the science of light and reflection. By using a special mirror, you can create the illusion of a disappearing reflection.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a mirror with a two-way reflective surface. Follow these steps:

• Hold the mirror in front of you, making sure the reflective side is facing you.
• Look at your reflection in the mirror and observe it carefully.
• Slowly tilt the mirror, and be amazed as your reflection disappears!
• The two-way reflective surface allows light to pass through from certain angles, creating the illusion of a disappearing reflection.

Can you poke pencils through a baggie filled with water without it leaking? With a little science, you can perform this seemingly impossible trick. The secret lies in the properties of polymers and the concept of surface tension.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a sealable baggie, water, and some sharpened pencils. Follow these steps:

• Fill the baggie with water, leaving some space at the top.
• Seal the baggie, making sure it is tightly closed.
• Slowly push the sharpened pencils through the baggie, one at a time.
• Be amazed as the baggie remains leakproof, even with pencils sticking out of it!
• The polymers in the baggie create a tight seal around the pencils, preventing water from leaking out.

Imagine being able to turn a cup of water upside down without spilling a single drop. With a little science, you can perform this magical experiment. The secret lies in air pressure and the concept of a vacuum.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a cup, water, and a piece of cardboard or plastic. Follow these steps:

• Fill the cup with water, leaving some space at the top.
• Place the cardboard or plastic over the mouth of the cup, making sure it is tightly sealed.
• Carefully turn the cup upside down, keeping the cardboard or plastic in place.
• Slowly remove your hand from the cardboard or plastic, and be amazed as the water stays inside the cup!
• The air pressure outside the cup pushes against the cardboard or plastic, creating a vacuum that holds the water in place.

Can you put an egg inside a bottle without breaking it? With the power of air pressure, you can perform this impressive trick. The key is to create a change in air pressure that allows the egg to be sucked into the bottle.

To perform this trick, you’ll need a hard-boiled egg, a glass bottle with a narrow neck, and a piece of burning paper. Follow these steps:

• Peel the hard-boiled egg, making sure it fits through the neck of the bottle.
• Light a piece of paper on fire and quickly drop it into the bottle.
• Immediately place the egg on top of the bottle, making sure it covers the opening completely.
• Watch as the egg gets sucked into the bottle!
• The burning paper heats the air inside the bottle, causing it to expand. When the paper goes out, the air cools down, creating a vacuum that pulls the egg inside.

Can you stick a needle through a balloon without popping it? With a little science, you can perform this amazing trick. The secret lies in the properties of polymers and the concept of elasticity.

To perform this trick, you’ll need a balloon, a needle, and some patience. Follow these steps:

• Inflate the balloon, making sure it is not too tight.
• Hold the balloon steady and slowly push the needle through the rubber, avoiding any sudden movements.
• Be amazed as the needle goes through the balloon without popping it!
• The polymers in the balloon stretch and seal around the needle, preventing air from escaping.

✨ Rating: 7/10 ✨

Friction can be magically fun! This experiment demonstrates the concept of friction and how it can be manipulated to create surprising effects.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a smooth surface, a small object like a coin, and a piece of paper. Follow these steps:

• Place the piece of paper on the smooth surface.
• Hold the coin at one end of the paper and slowly pull it, keeping it in contact with the paper.
• Be amazed as the paper moves along with the coin, defying gravity!
• The friction between the coin and the paper creates a force that allows the paper to move without slipping.

Can rocks float? With a little science, you can make it seem like they do! This experiment demonstrates the concept of buoyancy and the relationship between density and volume.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a container filled with water and some rocks. Follow these steps:

• Carefully place the rocks in the water, one at a time.
• Be amazed as the rocks float on the surface of the water!
• The rocks displace an amount of water equal to their weight, allowing them to float.

With a little magic, you can bring drawings to life! This experiment combines the art of drawing with the science of static electricity.

To perform this experiment, you’ll need a dry erase marker, a whiteboard, and a piece of fabric. Follow these steps:

• Draw a simple figure on the whiteboard using the dry erase marker.
• Rub the fabric against the whiteboard, creating a static charge.
• Hold the fabric close to the drawing, and be amazed as the figure comes to life, moving and dancing!
• The static electricity attracts and repels the ink particles, creating the illusion of a living drawing.

What kind of science are magic tricks?

Magic tricks often involve principles from various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, psychology, and even mathematics. Understanding the science behind magic tricks can help us appreciate the artistry and skill involved in creating illusions.

Read more about “What is a Jedi Mind Control? … 🧙‍♂️”

What science experiment went horribly wrong?

While science experiments can be fascinating and educational, there have been instances where things went horribly wrong. One notable example is the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, which occurred during a failed safety test at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. The experiment led to a catastrophic nuclear meltdown, resulting in the release of radioactive materials and a devastating impact on the environment and human health.

Is there a science behind magic?

Yes, there is a science behind magic! Many magic tricks rely on scientific principles such as physics, chemistry, and psychology. By understanding these principles, magicians can create illusions that seem impossible to the audience.

Read more about “10 Mind-Blowing Magic Tricks That Are All About Science … 🎩✨”

What is the biggest science experiment of all time?

One of the biggest science experiments of all time is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The LHC is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, designed to study the fundamental particles and forces that make up the universe. It has been instrumental in the discovery of the Higgs boson and has contributed to our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics.

In conclusion, magic and science go hand in hand. The world of magic tricks is not just about sleight of hand and misdirection; it’s also about understanding the scientific principles that create mind-boggling illusions. From walking on eggs to bending straws with your mind, these magical science experiments will leave you in awe and inspire you to explore the fascinating world of science.

So go ahead, grab a magic science experiment kit, and start exploring the wonders of the scientific world through the lens of magic. Who knows, you might just uncover the secrets to some of the greatest magic tricks of all time!

• Card Tricks
• Close-up Magic
• The Greatest Magic Trick of All Time
• Science Fun – Magic Science Experiments
• Chernobyl Disaster
• Large Hadron Collider

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13 Magical Science Experiments for Kids

We’re jazzed about these magical  science experiments we’ve been seeing all around and we know you’ll love them too. Use up all your senses as you explore each of these experiments made of magic ! They are all about diving in and getting seriously silly about science. There’s mixing, growing, shaking, and swirling!

1. Rainbow Marker Coffee Filters : It’s so amazing to watch the colors travel up the coffee filters! Find the tutorial over at Make and Takes .

2.  Frozen Silly Putty : You won’t find putty more sparkly than this! Find the tutorial over at Paging Fun Mums .

3. Dancing Raisins : Did you know that raisins can dance? This experiment is guaranteed to amaze your kids! Find the tutorial over at Buggy and Buddy .

4. Making Butter and Whipped Cream : Every kid should try making their own butter! This is a fun project to do in the kitchen together. Find the tutorial over at Make and Takes .

5.  Glitter Sensory Bottle : These glittery sensory bottles are relaxing for kids and adults alike! Find the tutorial over at See Vanessa Craft .

6. Fizzy Sidewalk Paint : Why play with regular chalk when you could play with fizzy sidewalk paint? Find the tutorial over at Make and Takes .

7. Lemon Juice Mystery Messages : This invisible ink is so mysterious- and you can make it at home with lemon juice! Find the tutorial over at Make and Takes .

8. Make GIANT Bubbles : Bubbles so big, a kid can fit inside! These are the perfect activity for a hot summer day. Find the tutorial over at  Make and Takes .

9.  Crystal Snowflakes :It’s so amazing to watch as the crystals appear! Find the tutorial over at Little Bins for Little Hands .

10.  Celery Science Experiment : How do plants drink? Do this experiment with your kids to find out! Find the tutorial over at Coffee Cups and Crayons .

11. Erupting Play Dough Volcano : This play dough volcano actually erupts! Find the tutorial over at Make and Takes .

12. Make Frozen Bubbles : You can actually hold these frozen bubbles in your hand!  Find the tutorial over at Housing a Forest .

13. Ice Block Sculptures : Turn a block of ice into a piece of art! These are so gorgeous! Find the tutorial over at The Artful Parent .

More cool science for kids:

Science experiments kids can make in the kitchen

50+ Sensory activities for kids  to make

Have fun getting silly with science!

Marie is a mom of 3 living in Seattle, WA. She's been the founder and managing editor of Make and Takes for the last 16 years, sharing DIY tutorials for home, family, and fun. Author of Make and Takes for Kids , Early Childhood and Elementary graduate, and currently teaching 2nd grade in Seattle!