This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to observe, explore, and describe the principles of water and oil. This simple act of observing, wondering, asking questions, and finding solutions forms the basis for children’s later scientific learning.
Materials Needed:
- ½ Cup water
- ½ Cup vegetable oil
- Glass or jar
- Blue or green food coloring
- Eyedropper
Participants: This activity is intended for adult/child interaction.
Directions:
- Pour the water into the glass or jar. Slowly add the vegetable oil.
- Add four or five drops of food coloring to the jar with the eyedropper.
- Ask your child to observe the liquids in the glass. What is happening to them? Notice that the oil floats on top of the water and the balls of food coloring sit just beneath the oil’s surface. This is because oil and water are immiscible, meaning they don’t mix and will separate into layers.
- Use a pencil or the edge of a spoon to gently push the balls of food coloring into the water.
- Observe and record your findings.
