Rainbow Science Experiment

We have been studying matter in science.  We recently tried a science experiment that focused on the density of liquids.  We took 2 different tries at this experiment.  Our first try turned out great until our last layer.  We discussed as a class that we could try a different method of how we poured in the layers on our second try.  We found that the last layer of rubbing alcohol needed to be poured down the side of the cup so it wouldn't go through the oil layer.  Our second try was a success!   We learned that if an object is more dense than another, it will sink.  The most dense liquid needed to be on the bottom all the way up to the least dense layer being on top.  This was a super fun experiment and very easy to try at home!

Gather supplies:
corn syrup
blue dish soap
yellow oil (vegetable oil, olive oil, etc.)
rubbing alcohol
food coloring
glass jar
measuring cup

Directions:

Purple layer:
Pour 1/2 cup corn syrup into measuring cup and add 1 drop red food coloring and 1 drop blue.  Stir.  Pour the corn syrup into the jar going down the middle and not down the side.

Blue layer:
Pour 1/2 cup blue dish soap on top of purple layer.  Again down middle of jar.  Very slowly!

Green layer:
Measure out 1/2 cup water and add 2 drops green food coloring.  Pour into middle of jar very slowly!

Yellow layer:
Measure 1/2 cup yellow oil and pour on top of green layer very slowly!

Red layer:
Measure out 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol.  Add 2 drops red food coloring.  Pour down SIDE of jar VERY SLOWLY!  We found this to be the most delicate layer!

Now you have your rainbow in a jar!