Kitchen Science Liquid Density Tower

A tall clear glass or jar (the taller, the more dramatic)

Honey, corn syrup, dish soap, whole milk, vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol

Food coloring in 2-3 colors (for water and alcohol layers)

Small solid objects: a grape, coin, cork, LEGO brick, cherry tomato

Paper and pencil for predictions and results

Before pouring, predict the order. Rank all liquids from densest to lightest — this is your hypothesis.

Start with honey at the bottom, about one inch. Pour slowly.

Tilt the glass and pour each liquid slowly down the side: corn syrup, dish soap, milk, dyed water, vegetable oil, dyed rubbing alcohol.

Wait 30 seconds between layers. Rushing causes mixing.

Count distinct layers and compare to predictions.

Drop in small objects one at a time: grape, cherry tomato, LEGO brick, cork, coin.

Each object sinks until it reaches a liquid denser than itself.

Record results in a chart: liquid, predicted rank, actual rank, objects stopped there.

Density = how much mass is packed into a given volume. Honey has more molecules per spoonful than oil.

Ask: what happens if you stir it all? Some mix, but oil and water still separate — they're immiscible.

The prediction step is non-negotiable. Writing a hypothesis before experimenting is the foundation of scientific thinking. Being wrong creates the 'wait, why?' moment that drives real learning.

Pour each liquid against the side of the glass, not straight down. A slow, tilted pour prevents layers from breaking through each other.

If you only have 4-5 liquids, that's fine. Honey, dish soap, water, and oil make a solid four-layer tower.

The solid object test is where kids get most excited. Let them predict where each object will stop before dropping it in.

Take a photo of the finished tower. It makes a great visual for a school science presentation or fridge display.