Under the Sea / Ocean in a Bottle
Ocean in a Bottle
Children combine oil and blue-coloured water in a sealed bottle and tip it gently to create rolling waves, exploring why oil and water don't mix.
How to run it
- Fill a clear plastic bottle about a third with water and add blue food colouring.
- Top up with vegetable oil, leaving a small gap.
- Add a little glitter or small shells, then seal the lid with tape or glue.
- Tip the bottle slowly to make waves and talk about why the layers stay separate.
You will need
- clear plastic bottles
- vegetable oil
- blue food colouring
- water
- funnel
- strong tape
Make it easier or harderYounger children can focus on making waves; older children can test other liquids and record results.
SafetySeal lids firmly with tape and use plastic bottles only; clean oil spills quickly to prevent slips.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4Observing liquids that don't mix encourages questions, prediction and scientific thinking.
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