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Experiment with density

Experiment with density
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Make a colorful liquid density column using household liquids and small objects to observe floating and sinking, recording layers and explaining results.

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Step-by-step guide to make a colorful liquid density column

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Sink or Float Density Tower Science Experiments for Kids!!!

What you need
Adult supervision required, clear tall glass jar or clear plastic bottle, dish soap, food coloring, honey or corn syrup, measuring cup or spoons, paper and pencil, rubbing alcohol, small objects to test like a coin button bead marble or grape, spoon or dropper, towel, vegetable oil, water

Step 1

Gather all materials and put them on a towel on a table where you can work safely.

Step 2

Pour about 1/4 cup of honey or corn syrup into the bottom of the jar to make the first layer.

Step 3

Slowly pour a layer of dish soap down the inside wall of the jar so it forms a separate layer above the honey.

Step 4

Put some water in a cup and add 1–3 drops of food coloring and stir to make colored water.

Step 5

Slowly pour the colored water down the inside wall of the jar so it forms the next layer.

Step 6

Slowly pour vegetable oil down the inside wall of the jar to make the oil layer above the water.

Step 7

Measure a small amount of rubbing alcohol into a cup.

Step 8

Add 1 drop of food coloring to the rubbing alcohol and stir gently so the color mixes.

Step 9

Slowly pour the colored rubbing alcohol down the inside wall of the jar so it becomes the top layer.

Step 10

Wait 2–5 minutes and watch until all the liquids settle into clear separate layers.

Step 11

Choose three small objects to test one at a time and bring your paper and pencil ready to write.

Step 12

Gently drop one object into the jar and watch where it stops in the layers.

Step 13

Write which layer each object stopped in and draw a labeled picture of the layers and objects to explain why some floated and some sank.

Step 14

Share a photo of your finished colorful liquid density column and your notes on what you discovered on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have corn syrup, rubbing alcohol, or food coloring?

If you don't have corn syrup use honey for the bottom layer (step 2), 70% isopropyl alcohol can substitute for the rubbing alcohol in the top layer (step 7), and powdered drink mix or a tiny pinch of washable paint can color the water in step 3 instead of liquid food coloring.

My layers are mixing—what went wrong and how do I fix it?

If layers mix when pouring the colored water, oil, or alcohol (steps 4–7), pour very slowly down the inside wall or use a spoon or pipette to slow the flow and then wait the full 2–5 minutes for the liquids to settle.

How can I adapt this activity for different age groups?

For preschoolers have an adult pre-pour the honey and dish soap (steps 2–3) and let them drop large, safe objects and draw results, while older kids can measure masses and volumes of the three test objects to calculate density before testing.

How can we extend or personalize the density column after finishing the basic experiment?

You can dissolve salt into the colored water in step 3 to change its density and see how object positions change, or personalize the jar by adding glitter, small waterproof toys, or labeled stickers for each layer before photographing your finished column.

Watch videos on how to make a colorful liquid density column

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Sink or Float Density Experiment for kids

4 Videos

Facts about liquid density and buoyancy for kids

🥄 Dissolving salt in water increases its density so objects (or even an egg) can float higher.

💎 Gold is super dense — a tiny gold nugget weighs more than many larger-looking materials.

🧪 Honey is denser than water — it sinks and often makes a neat bottom layer in density columns.

🔬 Lava lamps use changing density from heating and cooling to make blobs rise and fall.

🫙 Oil floats on water because it's less dense and the two liquids don't mix (they're immiscible).

How do I make a colorful liquid density column at home?

Start with a clear tall jar and pour liquids in order of highest to lowest density: e.g., honey, corn syrup, dish soap, water (dyed), vegetable oil, and rubbing alcohol (dyed). Pour slowly down the side or over a spoon to avoid mixing. Let each layer settle, then gently add small objects to observe sinking or floating. Record the order of layers and where objects stop, and explain results by comparing relative densities and immiscibility of the liquids.

What materials do I need to build a density column with kids?

Gather a clear jar or tall glass, liquids of different densities (honey, corn syrup, dish soap, water, vegetable oil, optional rubbing alcohol), food coloring, a spoon or pipette for slow pouring, measuring cups, and small test objects (beads, coins, plastic toys, paper clips, grapes). Have towels, trays, and adult supervision. Use washable dyes and avoid open flames if using alcohol; consider food-safe alternatives for younger children.

What ages is a liquid density column activity suitable for?

This activity suits a wide range: preschoolers (3–5) can observe colors and sinking with close adult help; ages 5–8 enjoy pouring layers and predicting float/sink with supervision; ages 9–14 can measure volumes, compare densities, record results, and form hypotheses. Teens can expand with calculations, saltwater variations, or quantitative density experiments. Always supervise younger kids, especially when handling sticky or flammable liquids.

What safety tips should parents follow when doing density column experiments?

Use adult supervision at all times and work on a tray to contain spills. Prefer food-grade liquids for young children and avoid open flames if using rubbing alcohol. Keep sticky liquids off skin and clothing, wash hands after the activity, and dispose of mixtures responsibly (don’t pour oil or heavy syrups down drains). For added safety, use plastic containers and small tools, and explain not to taste any materials.
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