glow in the dark science experiments

Activities for Kids

6 Glow-in-the-Dark Science Experiments to Try Tonight

We’ve got glow-in-the-dark science worthy of any home laboratory

Calling all mad—we mean mom—scientists (and daring dads, too)! Try these six glow-in-the-dark science experiments for kids after the sun goes down: we promise they will light up your night. For more projects, check out our ultimate list of science experiments for kids .

Don’t miss any of these experiments! Save this list to Pinterest by clicking here.

Glowing Bicycle Spokes

use bicycle spokes for a glow in the dark science experiment

If you're looking for a fast fix on fun, snap a few glow sticks and affix them to the spokes of a bike. When it gets dark, turn the kiddos loose on their wheels and enjoy an eerily dazzling light display. If you want to up the creativity quotient, try rearranging the glow sticks to make new patterns. Just remember to attach them well, as they have a way of taking flight!

The Science Lesson: Sensory Memory Riddle us this: Why do the three or four glow sticks you affixed to the bike spokes give the appearance of one solid line while the wheels are spinning? It's not because you're seeing the trailing lights from the glow stick. You are experiencing something known as iconic memory, which is sensory memory—or the shortest-term memory you have—that allows your mind to store an image for the few moments your brain needs to process what it has seen.

Glowing, Smoking, Bubbles

Add a little dry ice to bubble solution and the contents of an activated glow stick and get ready to rock the glow-in-the-dark scene in your neighborhood. Owlcation whipped up an awesome glow-in-the-dark science experiment to create glowing bubbles , and The Maker Mom thought to add dry ice to the same experiment here . The bubbles are out of this world—they glow and rise from the smoke. Naturally, we recommend an adult to handle the dry ice (skin contact can burn) and supervise this experiment.

The Science Lesson: Sublimation When a substance passes directly from a solid phase to a gas phase without ever becoming a liquid, it sublimates. Dry ice sublimates to gas, and the bubbles encapsulate the gas. Activated liquid from the glow stick adds to the excitement and is an example of a chemiluminescent, or a light that is produced as an energy byproduct when a chemical reaction takes place.

Glowing Pumpkin Guts Slime

pumpkin slime glow-in-the-dark science experiment

For all you gore-lovers, this experiment by Little Bins for Little Hands is low on trickery and high on thrills. We used it for our inspiration, then added a little glow stick juice to the mix. Why convert pumpkin guts into a slimy putty when you can convert them into a slimy, glowing putty? Using nothing more than the contents of a glow stick, glue, and starch, you'll have a perfectly putrid pumpkin concoction in no time.

The Science Behind the Spooky: Polymers and Non-Newtonian Fluid The white glue that's used as a base in this pumpkin slime is a polymer or a large chain of molecules made up of smaller units that repeat themselves. Liquid starch changes the structure of the glue's molecular chain, making it thicker, and turning it into a non-newtonian fluid. A non-Newtonian fluid is neither a true liquid nor a true solid. You can pick it up like a solid; however, it will begin to flow like a liquid (especially when heated) and will also take the shape of its container.

Glowing Bathwater

With all the options for making something glow by using the contents of a glow stick out there, we loved finding Fun at Home with Kids' recipe for glowing water that uses nothing but ground-up vitamin B-50 and a black light. And since it's not sticky and non-toxic, this makes the perfect lure for getting your bitty bats into the bathtub after a full day of haunting.

The Science Lesson: Phosphors versus Chemiluminescence Vitamin B-50 is a phosphor, or a member of a group of substances that radiate visible light after being energized by a light source, such as the UV radiation from a black light. This particular glow is different from the light created by chemiluminescence—that is, the light is emitted as a product of a chemical reaction—which you find in a glow stick.

Glowing Oil and Water Experiment

We all know that oil and water just don't mix. But what happens when you make them glow, add kids, dim the lights, and fill their brains with words like "density" and "polarity"? Magic. That's right—Pure. Magic. We love the tutorial over at Growing a Jeweled Rose , and the best part about it is how you can turn your oil and water experiment into a DIY lava lamp when you're through.

The Science Lesson: Density and Polarity An object's density—or how tightly packed together its molecules or atoms are—is a predictor of whether it will float or sink. Water molecules are more dense than oil molecules, and will always sink below oil. Additionally, water and oil have different polarities—or charges. Since water has both a negative and a positive charge, water molecules will attract other water molecules.

Glowing Sidewalk Chalk

If you're really looking for some nighttime fun, you can't go wrong with this glowing sidewalk chalk. and then have them look out their windows before bedtime. This is a great one for National Night Out in August. Johanna at My Crazy Blessed Life inspired us to make our own glow-in-the-dark chalk, and we followed her recommendation to soak the chalk for two days before kicking up the fun factor with a black light.

The Science Lesson: Absorption and Properties of Salt Chalk is a salt, and salts are all distinguished by their property to absorb water. So when you let a stick of chalk soak in glowing water overnight, it will not only absorb water but also the phosphorescent properties of the glowing agent in the water.

Related: 13 Fall Science Experiments Perfect for Kids

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11 Glow in the Dark Science Experiments to Try Tonight

Categories Science Experiments

If your kids love creative STEM activities and science experiments for kids they will love these glow in the dark science experiments.

Kids from preschool through middle school will have a blast learning about the science of glow in the dark materials with these hands-on science fair projects.

Keep reading to learn a bit about glow in the dark science and find a list of fun glow in the dark STEM activities!

If your kids love glow in the dark science and glow in the dark STEM activities, they will love these glow in the dark science experiments.

Why Try Glow in the Dark Experiments?

In elementary school and middle school, the goal of science education is twofold.

First, children should be encouraged to have an interest in science. That’s where the fun stuff comes in, and why I like to do science experiments that are bright, colorful, and fun.

Secondly, the point of STEM education for kids is to encourage creativity, innovation, and increase problem-solving skills.

Children are much more likely to want to explore and learn if they find the subject interesting. While some kids may be interested in traditional science explorations, far more children will love the flashy, colorful experiments.

That’s why I encourage parents and educators to do a mix of experiment types, so that kids are hooked with the fun stuff, but stay for the life lessons.

How does glow in the dark science work?

Glow in the dark science is quite interesting!

Most things that glow in the dark have phosphorescence. They contain a substance known as phosphors. Phosphors give off visible light once they have energy (or have been exposed to light).

That’s why you have to “charge” your glow in the dark substances before they will glow!

You can make your phosphorescent items glow brighter with targeted UV light, like a black light. Black light is invisible light, but it has a high energy. That’s why things glow stronger in black light.

Glow in the Dark Dark Science Supplies and Kits

Most essential to glow in the dark experiments are:

Black light
Vitamin B6 or
Tonic water
Phospherescent items (we like natural rocks )
Glow sticks

How to turn these science experiments into glow in the dark STEM activities

If you want to transform a science experiment into a STEM activity, you just need to ensure that the elements of science, technology, engineering, and math are envolved.

Most science experiments already have strong STEM ties, so it’s not difficult to add in these elements.

Additionally, STEM activities should focus on problem solving, or exploring the world in some way.

For glow in the dark STEM activities, you can talk about the pratical uses for glow in the dark products, or use it to explore the evolution of plants and animals on earth for adaptation and habitats.

Glow in the Dark Science Fair Projects Kids will Love

Try these glow in the dark experiments at your next science fair. It won’t be boring any more!

If you don’t mind a bit of mess, make this glow in the dark oobleck and learn all about non-Newtonian fluids.

Kids can learn about how light works and travels when they make this light-up slime .

This Glow Stick STEM Activity teaches kids how to make a glowing lantern using glow sticks.

With a simple addition of tonic water, you can transform this lava lamp experiment into a glowing lava lamp!

Add some glow in the dark powder to this boiling blood slime recipe!

Transform any slime recipe (one of our favorites is our magnesium flake slime recipe ) into glow in the dark slime by switching out the water for tonic water, or by adding vitamin B12 to the slime!

Make this eyeball slime even spookier when you add tonic water to the slime and make it glow in the dark!

In The Mason Jar Scientist, kids can learn about phosphorescent rocks and why some rocks glow in the dark!

Kids will have fun exploring glow sticks with this glow in the dark chemistry lab .

Learn how to make glow in the dark fireworks with this science experiment!

Kids will love this glow in the dark twist on the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano.

Young kids will love learning the science of bubbles and surface tension when they make glow in the dark bubbles!

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Kirtika saha

Monday 27th of November 2023

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Illuminate Your Science Class with Glow-in-the-Dark Experiments and Activities

Bioluminescence stands out as one of the most amazing adaptations to grace our planet. By creating their own light through chemical reactions, these critters inspire curiosity in learners of all levels. Fireflies are the most common bioluminescent creatures in North America, lighting up the summer nighttime sky to find a mate. If you travel to the Great Smoky Mountains in June, you may catch sight of the synchronized fireflies flashing together at the same time.

Other invertebrates, such as California’s Motyzia millipede, give off a greenish-blue light as a warning to predators of their cyanide poisoning. Glowworms in New Zealand use their glow attract prey in the caves in which they inhabit. Ocean-inhabiting creatures such as dinoflagellates, glowing jellyfish, and anglerfish have also developed uses for bioluminescence. Benjamin Franklin suggested using glowing mushrooms, such as foxfire, to illuminate one of the first submarines. These organisms have fascinating ways to use their unique gift of luminescence.

Capture your students’ curiosity and love of learning by using bioluminescence as a springboard into the world of luminescence. There are many ways of adapting glow-in-the-dark lessons to a variety of subjects and grade levels. Spark your class’s attention by introducing them to the fascinating organisms that can create their own light. Continue the excitement with these hands-on activities that will deepen their understanding of biology and chemistry.

Glow-in-the-Dark Experiments and Activities for Elementary Students

Oil and water experiment.

Teach young learners about hydrophobic and hydrophilic solutions with a unique twist. By using glow in the dark oil instead of regular vegetable oil, learners will clearly see that some materials stay separated in mixtures. This glowing oil and water experiment uses simple ingredients and blacklights to reinforce the resistance of oil and water mixing.

Glow-in-the-dark art projects

Glowing foam paint is a fabulous STEAM lesson uses shaving cream, school glue, and neon paint to create puffy, three-dimensional paint that glows in the presence of blacklight. This lesson can be used to discuss mixtures and states of matter.

Luminescent baking soda and vinegar volcano

Update your ordinary baking soda and vinegar volcano demonstration by adding some luminescence. Try this glow-in-the-dark volcano that uses ink from a highlighter or glow sticks.

Chemical reaction experiment with glowsticks

Investigate the effects of temperature on glowsticks with the temperature and the rate of a chemical reaction experiment from the American Chemistry Society. Check out more experiments on their site here.

Glowsticks and temperature experiment

Light sticks – liquid light , from Steve Spangler Science, provides step by step instructions for using light sticks to observe the differences in brightness of the light given off from glowsticks placed in water of different temperatures.

A lesson on density

Use oil, water, and neon watercolor paint to enhance lessons on density. Students will quickly see fluids of three different densities separate in the mixture. Glowing fireworks in a jar is an activity that they will remember for many years to come.

Glow-in-the-Dark Experiments and Activities for Middle School and High School Students

Investigating dinoflagellates.

Marine dinoflagellates are responsible for producing beautiful, blue, glowing waves. Investigating glow-in-the-dark dinoflagellates allows students to observe their bioluminescence at home or at school as well as conduct experiments on the factors that affect bioluminescence.

Experiments with glow-in-the-dark water

Explore glow-in-the-dark water using tonic water and blacklights. Experiment with the glow in the dark water to determine if the addition of household chemicals affects the glow.

Exploring luminescence

In illuminating luminescence , from Science Friday, students will compare and contrast different forms of luminescence by observing how chemiluminescence, phosphorescence, and fluorescence produce or emit light. Students then compare these forms of luminescence to bioluminescence.

Glowing crystals

Growing alum crystals is very easy and reliable way to demonstrate the process of crystallization. Convert this ordinary experiment into something spectacular by making glowing crystals , which uses the ink from a yellow highlighter, you can. After the crystal forms, simply shine a black light on the crystal to make it glow.

Glowing flowers

Discuss vascular tissue in plants while making a glowing flower . Instead of soaking the plant in ordinary water, use water that contains ink from a highlighter.

Create your own glow-in-the-dark milk plastic

Teach students about plastics and proteins in milk by making glow-in-the-dark milk plastic .

Check out more glow-in-the-dark experiments and activities on our Pinterest page . Which ones will you try with your students this fall?

Rebecca Reynandez

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15 Fun Glow in the Dark Black Light Projects

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Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

There are numerous exciting science projects that you can try where you'll make things glow in the dark using a black light or ultraviolet lamp. Here are some fun glowing projects to try. Most of these projects glow due to fluorescence , though some projects involve phosphorescent materials that glow on their own, but much more brightly when exposed to a black light .

Glowing 'Neon' Sign

Form your name or any word you like with plastic tubing filled with a glowing chemical you prepare yourself. This is a safe and economical alternative to a neon sign.

Glow in the Dark Mentos Fountain

This is a lot like the Mentos and soda fountain except you replace the diet soda with a common drink that glows when exposed to black light.

Glowing Water

There are a couple of different ways you can make water glow under a black light. Give it a try and then use the glowing water in a fountain or to use in other black light projects.

Glowing Jell-O

Some foods glow in the dark. Regular gelatin will not glow when exposed to a black light, but you can substitute another liquid for the water to make a treat that glows while you eat it.

Glow in the Dark Crystal Geode

This crystal geode that you make from common household materials will glow as soon as you turn off the lights. If you add a black light, then the glow will be much more intense.

Glowing Slime

Glowing slime is non-toxic and easy to make. The glowing slime is phosphorescent, meaning it will glow for several minutes to several hours after you turn out the lights. However, it will glow very brightly when exposed to ultraviolet light, such as from a black light.

Glowing Alum Crystals

Alum crystals grow quickly and easily. While some crystals can't be made to glow, these will pick up a luminescent chemical so that they will respond to a black light.

Glowing Crystal Ice Ball

There are several ways to make ice that will glow when illuminated by a black light. If you freeze the ice into a sphere, you'll get a sort of glowing crystal ball.

Glowing Bubbles

If you can blow bubbles , then you can blow bubbles that glow under a black light. Standard bubble solution will not glow, but that is easy to fix!

Glowing Jack-O-Lantern

What's creepier than a flickering jack-o-lantern? How about one that emits a ghoulish glow without the fire? Make a pumpkin glow; recharge or brighten the glow with a black light.

Glow in the Dark Ice

It's easy to make ice cubes that will glow bright blue under a black light, plus the ice is safe to use in drinks.

Glowing Printer Ink

Make homemade glowing ink that you can use in your printer to make glow in the dark letters, signs, or pictures. It's easy to do and works on all kinds of paper or even for making iron-on transfers for fabric.

Glowing Flowers

Have you ever wanted to make a real flower glow in the dark? Now you can! There are multiple ways you can make a flower glow using common everyday materials.

Glowing Hands

Make your hands glow bright blue! There are a few different ways to do this, plus the same technique works on other skin, too.

Tiger Stripes on Your Body

Humans can have tiger stripes! Unless you have a certain skin disorder or are a chimera, you can't ordinarily see the stripes. They become visible under ultraviolet light.

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Glow in the Dark Activities

As the nights get longer, one of the things my kids always get excited about is glow in the dark activities. There is something about that magical moment when the kids do something and it suddenly comes to life in the dark that thrills the kids and makes them even more passionate about learning and doing these educational Glow in the Dark Activities. Here are some of our favourites!

Glow in the Dark Projects

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Before we dig into all the different project ideas we have done over the years that glow, we want to explore how glow in the dark works! Kids are naturally so curious. So when they do one of these projects, then turn off the lights or turn on a black light, they love to ask, “why”. So let’s dig into the science of how glow in the dark works.

How Does Glow In The Dark Work?

When something glows in the dark there are a few ways this can happen.

Fluorescence

One type of glow in the dark is when something fluoresces. This happens when something glows under black light. Remove the black light and the item no longer glows.

Cool Tip! Did you know some animals glow under black light ?

Often in our experiments we will use items that only glow if we have a black light present. This includes things that use tonic water which glows thanks to a special ingredient called quinine.

When you use a black light it gives off harmless, highly energetic, ultraviolet (UV) light that is invisible to humans. Certain fluorescent substances absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it at a different wavelength, making the light visible and the material glow.

What you see glowing under blacklights are phosphors. A phosphor is any substance that emits visible light in response to some sort of radiation. A phosphor converts the energy in the UV radiation from a black light into visible light. For example, the quinine in tonic water contains fluorescent molecules that are made visible in the dark thanks to the help of a black light.

Luminescence

This is the type of glow in the dark projects or items that you charge under a regular light or sunlight. Then when you turn off the light it will glow before slowly fading.

Luminescence is caused by chemicals called luminescent phosphors in the paint. There are different types of Luminescence, in our experiments we are working with glow in the dark paints and pigments that are Photoluminescence. This means they need to charge in the light. Then when you turn off the lights you will have a temporary glow. You will have the brightest glow when you first turn off the lights, then it will fade. You can “recharge” the glow simply by turning on the lights again for a minute.

The science behind this glow in the dark is quite interesting. When we expose the glow in the dark paint to light, molecules in the paint absorb photons in the visible region. This excites the electrons to a higher electronic excited state. When the lights are turned off it radiates a photon as the electron returns to a lower energy state. Eventually the electrons lose their energy and their glow.

OK, so now we have a basic understanding of how things glow, let’s look at some fun Glow in the Dark Activities for Kids!

Glow in the Dark Lava Lamp

In this activity we create lava lamps, including one version that glows in the dark . It’s a fun chemistry activity that kids love to make.

Glow Salt Circuit

We really love making these simple salt circuits. They are a fantastic way to start with circuit building for kids. And with this fun twist we make a circuit that not only lights up, but also glows in the dark. We have made three versions: Halloween Glow Circuit , Christmas Tree Circuit , and a Valentine’s Day Glow Salt Circuit .

Glow in the Dark Bath Bombs

We really love making bath bombs. It is a great way to teach kids about chemistry in a very practical and hands on way. Plus kids love using bath bombs! We have made a few glow bath bombs in the past including our very popular Halloween Surprise bath bomb that not only glows in the dark but has a spooky surprise inside. Plus a gorgeous Northern Lights bath bomb , a glow in the dark donut bomb and glow cupcake bath bomb .

Rainbow Glow Moon Dough

One of our favourite sensory experiences is Moon Dough. It is luxurious and silky like a cloud. Especially with our very special recipe! To make our Moon Dough experience even more special, we made this Rainbow Glow version that was mesmerizing with it’s stunning, glowing colours.

On a black background moon dough glows in a variety of colours - blue, green, orange, yellow and darker greens and blues. Overlay text says Rainbow Glow Moon Dough

Glow in the Dark Homemade Soap

“Who ya gonna call?” If you know the answer to that question, you will love this Ectoplasm Glow in the Dark Poop Soap ! This hilarious creation will have kids rolling with laughter as they wash their hands over and over again.

Glow in the Dark Oobleck

Non-Newtonian Fluids, also known as Oobleck, are a childhood favourite! Not only do kids get to explore some fascinating science with this project, but they also learn about states of matter and build fine motor strength. Oobleck is mind-boggling the way it turns from solid to liquid, from just your touch. And this Glow in the Dark Oobleck recipe is super easy, with two variations to suit your needs and to explore both types of Glow in the Dark that we discussed earlier in the science section.

Glow in the Dark Slime

If you are going to make slime, make really, really cool slime. Like this Glow in the Dark Slime recipe!

Glow in the Dark Homemade Plastic

Have you ever made plastic at home? It’s a fascinating experiment to do with kids. In this project we made bioplastics using milk. With a few twists we caused our plastic to glow! Then we came up with a new and improved way to make it glow even more!

Glow in the Dark Milk Plastic - non-toxic, easy and fun kids STEM Activity. Create toys, decorations, sensory items and more. Perfect for Halloween.

Glow Eruptions

Want a quick and fun chemistry experiment for the kids. Try this simple reaction that results in a Glow Eruption !

Glow in the Dark Jello

After all of this Glow in the Dark fun, it’s time for a sweet treat! And what a better way to end our Glow in the Dark Projects than with a Glow in the Dark Jello . Doctor Who inspired for a fun, geeky twist for my fellow Whovians.

There is something about making a project or experiment glow that just makes it so much more exciting and fun! I hope you enjoyed all of our Glow in the Dark Activities.

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