Oceans in a Bottle

As a part of our study of the ocean, the students created their own "ocean in a bottle." The purpose of the science experiment is to teach the children that oil and water do not mix. It is also a great representation of the zones of the ocean. The students first poured sand into the bottom of their bottle. They then poured in a cup of vegetable oil. After pouring in the oil, they filled the bottle with water. They immediately noticed that the oil rose to the top and would not mix with the water. After adding a few drops of blue food coloring, the students sealed their bottles and turned it to the side to make waves. We discussed how the weight of the oils pushes down on the water. Because the food coloring does not mix well with the oil, it stays a lighter shade and the water stays darker. This led us into a discussion of why it is darker in the deeper parts of the ocean and lighter closer to the surface. They used great inferencing skills to determine that the surface is lighter because it is closer to the sun.

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