Ocean in a Jar Kids’ Craft

Combine oil and water for an ocean in a jar to create a fun sensory experience that doubles as a science experiment.

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This ocean in a jar craft is similar to our DIY sensory bottles. It uses oil and water, which don’t stay mixed together for long, to create a swirling mass of waves and bubbles. Add a few sea creatures if you like for a deep sea scene.

Water is more dense than oil, so it will always eventually settle to the bottom of the container. And most food dye is water soluble, which means it will dye the water but not the oil. Together they make a fun experiment in density.

If you add plastic toys, they may float or not. It’s a good idea to test toys in a cup of water to see whether they will before adding them to your ocean in a jar.

Ocean in a jar craft tips

• You can use any container for this craft, as long as the lid is sturdy. You may want to avoid glass with young children who may drop and break it.
• Glue the lid on the jar permanently to keep kids from opening it and spilling water. Don’t glue the lid if you want to take your sea creatures back out later.
• This craft will last a while, but oil does go bad eventually. Discard if you see signs like a weird color, smell, mold, or other changes.

How to make an ocean in a jar

Supplies

• clear container with a lid – We used a Starbucks frappuccino bottle because it has a wide opening; the label peeled off and we gave it a scrub with dish soap to remove the adhesive residue.
• funnel – optional
• water
• oil
• blue food dye
• plastic sea creatures, shells, marbles, etc.

Instructions

1. Combine oil and water.

First, combine 1 part oil and 4 parts water in the container. Our glass bottle was 9.5 ounces, so we used 1/4 cup oil and 1 cup water. If your jar is much larger or smaller, use the same ratio. It doesn’t have to be precise.

2. Add blue dye.

Add a few drops of blue food dye. It will probably sink to the bottom. Swirl the container to distribute the dye. It will immediately turn the water blue and may also tint the oil slightly.

3. Add sea creatures.

Add a plastic sea creature, a small boat, shells, or whatever small items you like to the container.

4. Close the lid.

Top up the container with additional water if desired. Then put the lid on tightly.

Gently swirl the jar to watch the ocean swell with waves. The sea creature inside will swim with the current. The oil and water will settle and separate when the container is still for a while, then combine when you move it again.

Printable instructions

Ocean in a Jar

Print

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Materials

• clear container with a lid
• funnel - optional
• water
• oil
• blue food dye
• plastic sea creatures, shells, marbles, etc.

Instructions

1. Combine oil and water.
   First, combine 1 part oil and 4 parts water in the container. Our glass bottle was 9.5 ounces, so we used 1/4 cup oil and 1 cup water. If your jar is much larger or smaller, use the same ratio. It doesn't have to be precise.
2. Add blue dye.
   Add a few drops of blue food dye. It will probably sink to the bottom. Swirl the container to distribute the dye. It will immediately turn the water blue and may also tint the oil slightly.
3. Add sea creatures.
   Add a plastic sea creature, a small boat, shells, or whatever small items you like to the container.
4. Close the lid.
   Top up the container with additional water if desired. Then put the lid on tightly.

More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

• Watercolor Resist Ocean Art
• 15 Blue Crafts for Learning Colors
• 14 Creative Ocean Activities for Kids