Glittering Galaxy: DIY Nebula Jar

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Ages: 8-12

Objective: Engage children in a creative and educational experiment to create their own mesmerizing nebula jar, while learning about galaxies, space, and the properties of liquids.

Materials Needed:

  1. Clear glass or plastic jar with a lid
  2. Cotton balls
  3. Glitter (assorted colors)
  4. Water
  5. Food coloring (blue, purple, pink)
  6. Clear glue
  7. Optional: Glow-in-the-dark stars or stickers for decoration

Procedure:

  1. Begin by filling the clear jar about halfway with water.

  2. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to the water and stir gently to distribute the color evenly. This will create the background color for the nebula.

  3. Tear apart a few cotton balls into small, wispy pieces and place them in the jar.

  4. Sprinkle glitter of assorted colors over the cotton balls in the jar. This will represent the stars and colorful gases found in nebulae.

  5. In a separate container, mix clear glue with water to create a thin, watery solution.

  6. Carefully pour the glue mixture into the jar, covering the cotton balls and glitter. This will help the cotton balls and glitter stick together and create a cohesive nebula effect.

  7. Seal the lid of the jar tightly and shake gently to mix the ingredients together.

  8. Optional: Decorate the outside of the jar with glow-in-the-dark stars or stickers to enhance the galaxy theme.

  9. Place the jar in a well-lit area or near a window to observe the glittering galaxy effect.

Explanation:

  • The Glittering Galaxy experiment allows children to create their own representation of a nebula, a cloud of gas and dust in outer space where stars are born.
  • Cotton balls and glitter represent the colorful gases and stars found within a nebula, while the blue background and glue mixture help create the illusion of depth and cohesion.

Extensions:

  1. Encourage children to research and learn more about nebulae and the different types that exist in our universe, such as planetary nebulae and supernova remnants.
  2. Discuss with children the science behind the formation of stars and galaxies, using the experiment as a visual aid.
  3. Explore other variations of the experiment, such as using different colors of food coloring or adding additional elements such as sequins or beads to represent different features of a nebula.
  4. Challenge kids to create hypotheses and conduct experiments to test how factors such as the amount of glue or glitter used affect the appearance of the nebula.
  5. Host a "galactic exploration" party where children can create their own nebula jars and share their observations and discoveries with each other.

Safety Note:

  • Remind children not to ingest any of the materials used in the experiment. Supervise younger children closely to ensure they handle the glue and glitter safely and avoid spilling the contents of the jar.

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