How to Get Supplies for an Ocean in a Bottle Experiment

The ocean in a bottle experiment is a classic experiment used by teachers and parents to show kids how certain substances do and don't mix. This experiment requires minimal supplies, and with a little searching, you can find most of the supplies for free or extremely cheap.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic or glass bottle
• Vegetable or baby oil
• Shells
• Food coloring
• Funnel
• Glue
• Water

1. Get a plastic or glass bottle with a tight fitting lid. You can use old soda bottles, water bottles, salad dressing bottles or lotion bottles. Make sure you thoroughly wash out the bottle you choose.

2. Pick an oil to mix with the water for your ocean bottle experiment. Vegetable oil or baby oil works well. Generic brand oils are fine for this experiment and save you money. If you have a discount grocer that sells damaged or expired goods, you can find vegetable oil for less than a dollar.

3. Find or buy miniature sea shells and other ocean creatures, if you want your ocean to look more realistic. Craft stores and novelty outlets sell a variety of ocean themed supplies.

4. Pick up a box of food coloring so you can color the water. Blue is the typical go-to color, but you can also use green, or a mixture of blue and green, for a deeper color.

5. Finish gathering your supplies by getting a funnel and white glue or super glue. Use the funnel to pour the water into the bottle and then glue the cap on tight so there's no leakage.