Density Tower Jar Layering Experiment

A tall clear jar or vase

Honey, corn syrup, dish soap, water (colored), vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol (colored differently)

Small objects: grape, cherry tomato, plastic bead, cork

Pour honey into the jar first — it's the densest liquid.

Slowly layer corn syrup on top, pouring gently down the side.

Add dish soap, then colored water, then oil, then colored rubbing alcohol.

Let each layer settle before adding the next. Patience creates cleaner lines.

Admire the rainbow of layers floating on top of each other.

Now drop in objects one at a time. Predict: where will the grape stop? The cork?

Each object floats at the layer matching its own density.

Pour slowly down the side of the jar — pouring into the center mixes layers.

Color the water and rubbing alcohol different colors so each layer is distinct.

Denser liquids sink, less dense liquids float. This is the same principle that makes boats float and rocks sink.

Try objects your child chooses — coins, erasers, Legos. Predict first, test second.

The tower stays separated for hours. Move it gently to a display spot and check it again later.