Rainbow in a Jar

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 Ages: 6-12

Objective: Teach children about density and how different liquids can stack on top of each other without mixing.

Materials Needed:

  1. Clear glass jar or cup
  2. Honey
  3. Light corn syrup or maple syrup
  4. Dish soap (colorful if possible)
  5. Water
  6. Vegetable oil
  7. Rubbing alcohol
  8. Food coloring
  9. Spoon

Procedure:

  1. Prepare the Liquids:

    • In separate containers, mix water with a few drops of food coloring to create colored water.
    • Also, mix a small amount of food coloring with rubbing alcohol in another container.

  2. Layer the Liquids:

    • Carefully pour honey into the bottom of the jar. Let it settle.
    • Slowly pour corn syrup or maple syrup on top of the honey. Use the back of a spoon to help pour it gently.
    • Next, pour dish soap on top of the syrup.
    • Slowly add the colored water on top of the dish soap, again using the back of a spoon to prevent mixing.
    • Pour the vegetable oil on top of the colored water in the same way.
    • Finally, gently pour the colored rubbing alcohol on top of the oil.

  3. Observe the Layers:

    • Notice how each liquid forms a separate layer in the jar. The different densities of the liquids prevent them from mixing.

Explanation:

  • The Rainbow in a Jar experiment demonstrates the concept of density. Density is the measure of how much mass is in a given volume. Liquids with different densities will stack on top of each other without mixing. Honey is the densest, so it stays at the bottom, while rubbing alcohol is the least dense, so it stays on top.

Extensions:

  1. Experiment with Other Liquids: Try using other household liquids to see if you can create more layers or change the order of the layers.

  2. Discuss Density: Explain density in simple terms and how it affects the stacking of liquids.

  3. Create a Density Column: Have children draw or write about their observations, creating a visual representation of the density column.

  4. Color Mixing: Try adding different colors to the layers to see if they mix and create new colors over time.

  5. Layer Sizes: Experiment with different amounts of each liquid to see how it affects the appearance of the layers.

Safety Note:

  • Ensure children handle the liquids carefully and avoid spills. Supervise young children, especially when using rubbing alcohol.

This experiment is a visually appealing way to introduce children to the concept of density while allowing them to create a beautiful rainbow in a jar. 

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