Hi Rita,
As you’re assembling the layers of the liquids, you should slowly pour them in to the jar to create the layers. As long as the jar is not disturbed, the layers should remain intact. You can find corn syrup near the baking supplies in grocery stores!
Warmly,
Sarah // Playdough to Plato Team

Sorry just read old comments section and found the answer to my question.

Great question!
By adding it to the middle, rather than the sides (other than the alcohol layer), the layers are less likely to mix.
Hope that helps!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

HI Luis,
Great question! The other items do not need to be added using a clear cup, but it is important that they are poured into the middle of the container, rather than the sides.
The rubbing alcohol with the red food coloring was mixed in the clear cup and then added using a dropped along the sides of the cup so as not to break the layer of oil.
Hope it turns out great!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Love it! Thanks for sharing, Candy!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Hi Alyssa,
You can try one of those materials, but since it all has to do with the density of materials, I’m not sure if it will work. You may just want to omit that layer.
Hope it turns out well!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Can you use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide instead of rubbing alcohol?

Hi Rosemary,
Other oils should work, but it really depends on the density of the oil.
We’ve found success with olive oil, but would love to hear if you used other oil as well.
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Hi!
Great question! There’s not a specific amount required for each ingredient. You just want to have enough to see the different layers. The key is pouring each ingredient into the middle of the jar, not letting it slide down the sides. Hope your kids love it!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Yes! So glad you enjoyed it!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Wonderful!
We hope they love it, Ashley!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Hi Kimberly,
Yes, all of the materials should settle back to their original spots if you were to shake it.
Hope you enjoy!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

You are most welcome! Enjoy!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

So sorry about that! I hope you enjoy!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

I am a student not a teacher!!!!!!!

Wonderful!
I hope your students enjoy it!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Hooray Ava! I hope that you enjoy this fun and colorful project.
Warmly,
Kimberleigh

Hello Lisa,
Thanks so much for stopping by and saying, “hello!” We are delighted to have you.
If we can help you find anything, let us know.
Warmly,
Kimberleigh

Lisa Beeke

Hello Ray,
Great question. You can either skip the layer or find something light to use to replace it.
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kimberleigh // Happiness Ambassador

Hello Nicole,
No measurements needed- just pour the liquid into even layers and the container is full.
Hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kimberleigh

Hello Izzy,
No need to mix the soap with water- the density of the soap is what we need to make the layers 🙂
Hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kimberleigh

Hello Linda,
No exact amounts are needed, just layers of the different fluids, but we usually just strive for even. The fluidity of this science activity makes it a perfect project for little ones.
Warmly,
Kimberleigh

Hello Joyce,

Thanks so much for reaching out. If Corn Syrup is not available, I would look for a heavy syrup to substitute or skip the layer, while you will not have a perfect rainbow you will still have a fun science experiment!

Stay inspired,
Kimberleigh

Hooray! I’m excited that the Rainbow Jar experiment came in handy, Grace. Thanks for your thoughtful note.

A better way to explain this is that it is all about floating and sinking. You can push a low density object like a beach ball to the bottom of a swimming pool but it will float up to the surface because it is less dense than the water. Exactly the same thing happens if you pour the less dense liquids first. In my class each kid pours a small amount of liquid in so we don’t have any layers to start and we see them form. ***food coloring has its own density so it may not travel with the layer you started it in or it may bleed between layers***

Thank you, Elisabeth!

Our rainbow jar is perfect for 3 to 4 year olds to complete with an adult’s help. Hope your kids love it too.

I would love for you to share this post {and others} at my Show Me Saturday linky party. We are live now!

So excited that you’ll be making a Rainbow Jar with your preschoolers, Raouza!! Let us know how it goes. 🙂

There are NOT necessarily more molecules in denser liquids in the same amount of space… There could be more, there could be fewer. There IS more matter in that bit of space than for the less dense liquid. (I keep emphasising ‘same bit of space’ because you can’t compare the weight of one cup of water to one drop of oil- density is mass per unit volume. It’s like that brainteaser, what weighs more, a ton of feathers or a ton of bricks? They both weigh the same! But the bricks will take up much less space because they’re more dense. Or to flip it, if you have identical boxes filled with bricks vs feathers the box of feathers will be lighter because they’re less dense. See why volume is important?)

I know this may sound pedantic, but it really does make a difference later. And my students always complain that every year they need to unlearn the ‘lies’ they were taught before (their words not mine!)

Thanks for hearing me out!

I am happy to read that the rainbow jar is helpful, Jenny!

You could skip the corn syrup. You will lose a layer but it will not be too noticeable.

Fingers crossed that your preschoolers love the activity too!