Ocean in a Bottle

Show your kids how fun science can be with this amazing Ocean in a Bottle experiment that also doubles as a sensory bottle! 

ocean in a bottle
 
Today we're showing you how to integrate science and sensory bottles in this fun experiment.

Encouraging your kids to observe and ask questions about the world around them is essential in early childhood. 

Doing so with fun experiments and in a safe environment will help your little ones develop scientific reasoning and skills that will help them in the future. And nurturing their natural curiosity with things they can find in their daily life is the best possible way to do so!

With that in mind, we've come up with this ocean-themed science experiment. It's a great way to add more learning in an easy and budget-friendly way. 

This science experiment also has another huge advantage... it works as a sensory bottle! 

Sensory bottles are a must at home, and I urge you to try them with your little ones, especially if they tend to get anxious or need to calm down. Sensory bottles are perfect for these situations!

Want to explore more fun ocean activities? Check some of these out!


ocean in a bottle science experiment


Ocean in a Bottle


Ocean in a Bottle Science Experiment - Supplies: 



  • 2-liter bottle (empty and clean)
  • Vegetable oil
  • Water 
  • Blue food coloring
  • Funnel 
  • Strong tape 



Ocean in a Bottle - Directions:




STEP 1 - Prepare your sensory bottle supplies



Let's begin! Gather all the materials listed above and begin by placing the funnel into your bottle. 



ocean in a bottle supplies

STEP 2 - Add the water



Then, pour the water and fill the bottle about halfway.


ocean in a bottle experiment


how to make an ocean in a bottle


STEP 3 - Color-time!



Take the blue food coloring and add about 5 drops. Gently shake the bottle so the coloring drops and water mix well.


DIY ocean in a bottle

Ocean in a bottle sensory bottle

STEP 4 - Add the oil:



For this step, we'll be using the complete opposite of water; oil. Take the vegetable oil and fill up the rest of the bottle, all the way to the top. 


Oil and water ocean in a bottle

Make sure to close the lid tightly, and if you want to be extra sure, place tape around it.


lid on sensory bottle

Seal ocean in a bottle


STEP 5 - Shake it up!



Shake up the bottle and observe how the water and oil do not mix, no matter how much you shake it!


oil and water science experiment

oil and water ocean in a bottle


This is the part where kids will probably ask questions and it's a great opportunity to talk a little bit more about the science of oil and water resisting each other with them. 


oil and water ocean in a bottle sensory bottle

Ocean in a bottle


STEP 6 - Explore more options:



Sometimes, while shaking the bottle, it may appear as if the oil and mix are mixing. If that's the case, sit the bottle down to watch how both liquids separate once again after a while. It's like magic and fascinating to watch!



Oil and water experiment



Oil and water ocean sensory bottle

We hope you have fun with this ocean in a bottle science experiment and sensory bottle.

Ocean in a bottle. Easy summer science experiment for kids. DIY ocean sensory bottle. Oil and water experiment.

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