Here�s a science project that doubles as a fun craft. Create your very own ocean waves in a plastic soda bottle. Display for all your friends to see! Age 3 and up This project is rated VERY EASY to do.
What you need
Empty two liter plastic bottle with lid / Clear vegetable oil or mineral oil / Water / Funnel / Blue food coloring / Small star fish, shells and other sea creatures / One tsp glitter / White craft glue / Hot glue
What you do
* Wash and dry two-liter bottle and remove all labels
* Fill bottle halfway with tap water
* Add a few drops of blue food coloring and swirl around to mix
* Add glitter and sea creatures
* Fill bottle the rest of the way with vegetable oil using a funnel
* Be sure that rim and cap are dry, then apply white craft glue around the rim. Seal cap.
* Use a layer of hot glue around the outer edge of the cap for added protection from leakage
* Turn bottle on its side and gently rock the bottle to create a �wave� inside your ocean habitat!
Helpful hints
- Use lightweight starfish, shells and other sea creature toys that can float. Test them first in a bowl or glass of water. Find these at your local craft supply store or discount department store.
- Make the ocean any color you choose! Blue is standard of course, but if your child�s room is decorated with red and yellow, go with red food coloring. There�s no rule that says your ocean must be blue.
- Small children will be mesmerized by this creation. They can help make this every step. Let them insert the sea creatures, hold the funnel and help add the tap water. In the steps that may be more difficult for little fingers, have them hold the bottle steady for you while you add the glitter.
Busy Bee Plant Poke from FamilyFun.com - submitted by Linda
Materials:
Black electrical tape, Button nose, Double-sided foam tape, Googly
eyes, 16-gauge wire, Pliers, Large nail, Bamboo plant stake,
Plastic mesh canvas, Hole punch, Mustard bottle
Time needed: About 1 Hour
Directions:
1. First, wrap strips of black electrical tape around a clean, empty
9-ounce yellow squeeze-style mustard bottle (labels removed). Add a face by using double-sided foam tape to attach large googly eyes and a black button nose to the bottom of the bottle.
2. For the antennae, cut two 4-inch pieces of 16-gauge wire and curl the ends with pliers. Use a pushpin or a small nail (parents only) to poke 2 holes near the bottom edge of the container and slip in the wires.
3. Next, use a large nail to make 2 holes directly opposite each other in the top and bottom of the bee, then push a bamboo plant stake through the holes. For wings, cut a butterfly shape from a sheet of plastic mesh canvas (available at craft stores; our wings were 6 inches across at their widest point).
4. Use a hole punch to make a hole in the center, then push the wings onto the stake and plant the bee in an outdoor pot or in your garden.