Ocean in a Jar

Trying to get L back into a sleep routine, which means K and C have been pretty tied down during the mornings and they get all wrangley. Solution? Crafts, crafts, crafts.

Today we did a science experiment and they each made an 'Ocean in a Jar'. Super cute and super easy.

What you will need:

• baby oil
• water
• mason jar
• food coloring
• glitter
• small floaty toy
• some uber excited scientists

**Cautionary note** Do NOT leave 3 year old unattended with glitter as you search house for baby oil as this will occur:

incase picture doesn't do it justice, that would be an entire vile of glitter on C and the chair and the floor...

Ok, so once you've cleaned up the glitter and regrouped, here's what you do.

Step 1: Fill the mason jar with water, about 1/2 full

Step 2: Add a few drops of food coloring. Ask intelligent questions like, "What do you think will happen when we add the color? Do you think it will mix with the water?"

Step 3: Add the baby oil, maybe 1/8 to 1/4 of the jar's worth. You judge. Smell it...just cause it smells so nice. Ask more smart questions like, "What do you think will happen when we add the oil? Will it mix, what did you notice?"

Step 4: Add some glitter, where does it float?

Step 5: Add the toy. Again, talk about where it floats. 

Step 6: Put on the lid and let them (gently) rock the jar. See how the contents move, but don't mix? They thought that was really neat. 

or shake it like a crazy person...that works as well

Of course K & C wanted a train in there, which did float, but not right side up like it should. Would probably work better with a little bath toy or something, but what the heck, they were happy.

And in the interest of shameless self promotion, this post is participating in the Summertime and the Living is Thrifty's link party (via the ON{the laundry}LINE blog). Check it out for some other quick and easy summer crafts and while you're there, send a vote my way :)