Rainbow Action Jars

[30 Minutes]

Experiment with oil and water and watch what happens. It's fascinating and sometimes beautiful to see the results when you try to mix liquids of different weights. In this experiment, the lighter weight water will be suspended on top of the heavier oil. The food coloring helps to define the separation of the two liquids.

You'll need:

• clear plastic bottles • water • oil • crayon shavings • blue food coloring

What to do:

1. Save clear plastic bottles and do experiments that show that some things do not mix with water at all.
2. Let your child fill one bottle half full of water.
3. Invite him to add a few drops of blue food coloring.
4. Let him add some oil and cap securely.
5. Have your child shake the bottle. Ask him whether the oil and water seem to mix.
6. Let the bottle stand a few minutes.
7. Ask your child where the oil is.
8. Into another clear bottle, put some fine crayon shavings of various colors.
9. Fill the bottle almost to the top with water.
10. Let your child shake it and tell what happens.
11. Your child will love the action of the swirling crayon bits.
12. Ask your child if the crayon shavings mix with the water.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What could we add to water that we know will dissolve?
• Do some things dissolve best when the water is hot? Think about some of the cooking we do.

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, your child is learning to do experiments and developing science concepts.