Colour changing cups

WAY 1
Using a weak acid/base in combination

with an acid-base indicator (a leuco dye).

The acid has a melting point close to the desired range,
such that a temperature change will cause it to change
phase, hence changing the pH and the colour of the
indicator.

WAY 2

Using a liquid crystal that changes from crystalline

phase to a liquid phase when heated.
They show colour using the same principle as a diffraction grating,

where regularly spaced reflections in the crystal lattice lead to

constructive interference of certain colours.

As the liquid crystal changes phase the lattice is disrupted and the

colour changes.