Magical Rising Water Science Experiment for Kids 🧪

Science with preschoolers and kindergarteners is basically magic, right? ✨ One moment you have an everyday object, and the next, kids are staring, wide-eyed, as the world reveals one of its little secrets. That’s exactly what happens with the Rising Water Experiment—a super simple science experiment with a candle that gets kids (and let’s be honest, us grown-ups too) totally mesmerized.

The best part? It’s quick, easy, and uses materials you probably already have at home or in your classroom. So grab your little scientists, and let’s get experimenting!

magical rising water science experiment for kids pink water rising in a glass cup with an extinguished candle inside

Recommended Grade Level:

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

Supply List
Coordinating Activities

Rising Water Science Experiment Supplies:

Plate with high sides
Water
Food coloring (optional but fun)
Tea light candle
Lighter or matches
Clear Glass jar or cup
Play-Doh

Why Do Science Experiments with Preschoolers and Kindergarteners?

Before we jump into the step-by-step of the rising water science experiment (because I know you want to get to the fun stuff), let’s talk about why we even bother with science experiments at this age.

Hands-on learning sticks. Young kids learn best when they see and do rather than just listen. When they experience something firsthand, they are much more likely to remember and understand the concept.
Encourages curiosity. Preschoolers ask, “Why?” 2,783 times a day (scientifically proven… well, probably). Science experiments give them exciting answers, and more importantly, encourage them to keep asking questions!
Early problem-solving skills. This rising water science experiment encourages observation, prediction, and critical thinking—all fancy ways to say kids learn to think like scientists. These are foundational skills that will support learning in all subject areas. While we might tire of all those ‘Why?’ questions, they really do set the stage to help our young learners explore more challenging topics as they grow.
Develops patience and focus. Watching an experiment unfold requires kids to slow down, observe, and think. It’s a great way to help them build focus and patience in a fun, engaging way. Pro Teacher Tip: If doing science experiments as a large group is too distracting for your learners and they are not paying attention, try again in a small group or one-on-one setting. Center time is GREAT for that!
It’s FUN! Let’s be real—anything involving fire and water feels like a science show on TV. The dramatic effect of the water rising is thrilling for little learners, making it an unforgettable experience.

Alright, now that we’re all pumped up, let’s get started!

The Rising Water Experiment: Step-by-Step Guide

Materials Needed:

Plate with high sides – You want something that will hold the water without making a mess.
Water – Regular water, but adding food coloring makes it way more fun!
Food coloring (optional but fun!) – Because science should be colorful.
Tea light candle – This little guy is our star player.
Lighter or matches – Because fire is cool (but be careful!).
Glass jar or cup – A clear one so kids can watch the magic happen.
Play-Doh – To keep the candle in place (because rogue candles are not our friends).

materials for a rising water science experiment: colored water, play dough, plate, tea candle and lighter

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Rising Water Science Experiment

Step One:

Place a small piece of Play-Doh in the center of the plate. This acts as an anchor so the candle doesn’t tip over mid-experiment (trust me, it’s worth it).

small circle of play dough on a white glass plate with a tea candle nearby

Step Two:

Secure the tea light candle onto the Play-Doh. Gently push it down so it stays put.

Step Three:

Mix a little food coloring into the water. Not required, but it makes the rising water really stand out!

Step Four:

Pour the colored water onto the plate. Be careful not to get it on the candle or wick (otherwise, no fire 🔥, no fun!).

plate filled with colored water and a tea candle in the center of the plate

Step Five:

Light the candle. Safety first—keep those little hands back!

lit tea candle sitting on a plate of colored water for a rising water science experiment

Step Six:

Place the glass over the candle. Carefully set the glass down over the candle, trapping the air inside.

lit tea candle inside a clear glass sitting on a plate of colored water for a rising water science experiment for kids

Step Seven:

Watch the water rise! As the flame flickers and goes out, the water will mysteriously climb up inside the glass. Kids love this moment!

extinguished tea candle sitting inside a clear glass on a plate filled with colored water showing the water rising inside the glass.

Tell Me More About the Rising Water Experiment

What’s Happening Here?

Alright, let’s break down the rising water science experiment into preschooler and early elementary friendly science terms:

The candle heats up the air inside the glass, making it expand.
When the flame goes out, the air cools quickly, and cooler air takes up less space than warm air.
This creates lower pressure inside the glass, so the outside air pushes the water up inside the glass to balance things out!
The candle also goes out because it runs out of oxygen—fire needs oxygen to burn!

Boom! Science. 🔥💧

Science Vocabulary for Kids

Use the rising water science experiment to introduce these simple words to help kids build their science vocabulary:

Air Pressure – The force of air pushing on things.
Oxygen – The part of the air that we and candles need to breathe or burn.
Expansion – When something gets bigger because it’s heated up.
Experiment – A fun way to test ideas and learn how things work.

Troubleshooting Tips

Having trouble getting the water to rise? Here are some quick fixes:

Make sure the candle stays lit long enough. The air inside needs to heat up for the pressure to change.
Check for air leaks. If the jar isn’t sealing well against the plate, the effect won’t work.
Use a smaller glass. A big glass might not create enough of a vacuum for the water to rise properly.
Try different water temperatures. Slightly warmer water may help create a better visual effect.

Discussion Questions

While you are trying the rising water science experiment encourage preschoolers to think critically with these simple and engaging questions:

What do you see happening inside the glass?
Where did the water go?
What do you think will happen if we use a different-sized glass?
Can you see the candle flame moving before it goes out? Why do you think that happens?
What happens to the air inside the glass when the candle is burning?
What other things need air to work, just like the candle? (Check out our lungs science experiment for another example!)
Can you think of a time when you’ve seen something move without being touched? This can lead to conversations about the wind, so make sure to try our wind science experiment.

More Ways to Explore

Want to extend the learning beyond the rising water science experiment? Try these related experiments:

Ocean Currents Temperature Experiment – Explore the effects of temperature on ocean water.
Frozen Vinegar and Baking Soda – Combine chemistry and temperature in a fun way.
Skittles Rainbow Experiment – Use Skittles and warm water to create a swirling rainbow of colors.
Walking Water Experiment – Show how water travels through paper towels to mix colors.
Glow-in-the Dark Lava Lamp Experiment – Use carbonation to make bubbles float and sink like magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are frequently asked questions about the rising water science experiment.

What safety precautions do I need to take with the rising water science experiment?

Adult Supervision: Ensure that there is adult supervision, especially if children are conducting the experiment. Handling fire and glass can be hazardous.
Fire Safety: Conduct the experiment in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials. Have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
Stable Surface: Set up the experiment on a flat, stable surface to prevent the glass or candle from tipping over.
Handling the Glass: Be cautious when placing the glass over the lit candle. The glass can become hot, so it’s best to use a towel or oven mitt when handling it after the experiment.
Extinguish Properly: Make sure the candle is completely extinguished after the experiment, and allow the glass to cool before handling it further.

Can the rising water science experiment be done without a candle?

While the traditional rising water science experiment relies on a candle to create a vacuum effect as the flame consumes oxygen, it is possible to explore similar principles without using a candle by employing other methods to create a pressure difference. Here are a few alternatives:
Hot Water Method: Heat water in a microwave or on a stove (with adult supervision) and pour it onto the plate instead of using a candle. Quickly cover it with a glass. As the water cools, it will contract and create a partial vacuum, drawing water into the glass.
Ice Method: Begin with a warm plate of water and cover it with a glass. Then, place a few ice cubes on top of the glass. The cooling effect from the ice will create a partial vacuum inside the glass, drawing water upward.

Each of these methods demonstrates the concept of pressure changes and can be an interesting variation to explore.

Are there other scientific principles involved with the rising water science experiment?

Yes, the rising water experiment showcases several scientific principles beyond pressure differences. If you are working with older kids, these are some principles you might want to include…they are definitely NOT preschool level😳:
Combustion: The candle burning demonstrates a combustion reaction, where the wax reacts with oxygen to produce heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.
Oxygen Consumption: The experiment shows how oxygen is consumed during combustion. When the candle is covered, it eventually goes out due to lack of oxygen.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction: As the air inside the glass heats up, it expands. When it cools down, it contracts. This is a direct demonstration of how gases behave under temperature changes.

The Rising Water Experiment is simple, exciting, and packed with science learning! Try it out and watch your kids’ curiosity grow! 🤯

Want more fun, hands-on activities? Try our super fun science collection!

More Exciting Science Experiments for Kids

More Activities You’ll Love: