Science & Discovery Projects6-12 years
Easy
10 Minutes
Easy Density Experiment for Kids
Bilal Şentürk
Maker
What You'll Need
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup water (add a few drops of food colouring for contrast)
- 1 cup olive oil
- Clear glass jar or tall tumbler
- Small objects: metal coin, plastic bead, grape, marble, etc.
- Spoon or funnel to pour liquids neatly
Safety First!
- !Place a tray or washable mat under the jar to catch spills.
- !Pour liquids slowly to prevent splashes.
- !Supervise children when handling glassware and small objects.
- !Wash hands and surfaces after the experiment—honey and oil are sticky.
Let's Make It! Step-by-Step Guide
1
Prep Your Workspace
Step 1 of 8
• Cover the table with a mat or cloth and arrange all materials within easy reach.
• A tidy area prevents mess and accidents.
The Science Behind It
Density is the mass of a substance per unit volume. Because honey (≈ 1.4 g/mL) is denser than water (≈ 1.0 g/mL) and water is denser than olive oil (≈ 0.9 g/mL), the liquids arrange themselves in descending order of density: honey sinks, oil floats, water stays in between.
When you drop solid objects into the tower, each one sinks until it reaches a layer that matches or exceeds its own density, making the concept visibly clear and memorable.
Helpful Tips
- Pour liquids down the side of the jar or over a spoon to keep layers sharp.
- Back-light the jar with a flashlight to make layers glow.
- Photograph the tower at intervals to track any slow mixing over time.
Try These Variations!
- 1Substitute water with saltwater to create an extra-dense band.
- 2Add a fourth layer: corn syrup below the honey or rubbing alcohol above the oil.
- 3Test additional objects (wood chip, glass marble, LEGO piece) and predict where they’ll settle.