Kids' Corner

Deep Blue Discoveries

DIY Ocean in a Bottle

Chase away those winter blues with this fun creation that doubles as a science project! Create your very own ocean waves in a bottle with this simple four step interactive craft project.

What you need:

• Large plastic bottle

• Water

• Blue food coloring

• Vegetable oil

• Shells and/or plastic creatures

Follow these easy steps:

1. Fill bottle halfway with tap water.

2. Add several drops of food coloring & swirl together.

3. Add sea creatures/shells.

4. Fill the rest of the bottle with oil, leaving a little air space at the top.

Optional: Use a layer of hot glue (ask a parent to help) around the outer edge of the cap for added protection from leakage.

Try this:

• Gently rock the bottle on its side to create waves inside your ocean habitat!

• The more you shake the bottle, the more the bubbly the ocean becomes. Set your bottle down occasionally to let the bubbles settle, and then start all over again.

• Turn this craft into a science project! Explain to your little one why oil and water don’t mix. Make a conservation connection by also explaining how oil spills can effect marine life and the environment.