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Astronomy Science Fair Project

Galaxy in a Jar with Glitter and Paint

Easy
Galaxy in a Jar with Glitter and Paint | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
How does the Milky Way look from millions of miles away? You can build a small version inside a jar. Add water and tempera paint for color. Drop in glitter and cotton balls to create swirling clouds. Shake the jar and watch the glitter spin through the painted water. The cotton balls drift like gas clouds between stars. The result looks like a tiny galaxy you can hold in your hand.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that it is possible to create a glowing galaxy in a bottle that looks like the night sky.

Method & Materials

You will add layers of water, tempera paint, glitter, and cotton balls to a jar to recreate a mini Milky Way. Then, shake the jar to observe the calming glow.
You will need a clear glass jar with a lid, water, tempera paint in gray, black, blue, and purple, glitter, cotton balls, and a spoon.

Kiwi Cratehands-on STEAM project kits for ages 6–9, delivered monthly. (Affiliate link)

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Results

When you shake the galaxy jar, it creates a calming and mesmerizing effect. This project allows you to observe the beauty of our galaxy up close and can inspire a love for astronomy.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it teaches about our galaxy in a fun and creative way. Plus, it's a great sensory STEAM project that engages kids' creativity.

Also Consider

1) Try adding glow-in-the-dark paint to the mixture for an extra glowing effect. 2) Instead of cotton balls, try using small plastic planets to make it more realistic.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

Related video

These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
Check out the video in the project page link to see how to make a galaxy in a jar! The following video is almost the same, but uses different colors to make a nebula, a giant cloud of dust and gas in space. Have fun!
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