Ocean Zones in a Jar

Kids love this visual representation of the ocean layers! You can also reinforce the concept of density with this activity.

Materials:

• Vegetable oil
• Corn Syrup
• Dish detergent
• Water
• Green and blue food coloring
• Glass jar (this could also be done in a plastic bottle, glass, vase, or anything else that is clear and can hold liquid)

Procedure:

1. In separate containers, dye the corn syrup navy blue, the dish soap light blue (one drop blue, one drop green), and the water light blue (one drop, then dilute the water until you get a very light blue)
2. Slowly and carefully pour the navy blue corn syrup into the jar, being careful not to get any on the sides. I filled the jars about halfway full with corn syrup to demonstrate how much of the ocean is in the abyssal zone.
3. Tilt the jar a little to one side, and very gently, pour in the dish soap, being careful that it does not mix with the corn syrup. This is the midnight zone.
4. The water needs to go in even more carefully as to not mix with the dish soap. Tilt the jar on its side and let the water slowly pour down the side of the jar. This is the twilight zone.
5. The corn syrup goes on last to represent the sunlit zone. There is no way to dye this, but the color makes it easy to remember that the sunlight makes it there.