Oil and Soap

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Learners investigate the properties of the liquids in two bottles. One contains layers of oil and water, and one contains oil, water, and soap. Learners shake the bottles and observe the difference in how well the oil and water mix together. When soap is added, the oil and water mix better due to soap's molecular properties. The activity links this property of miscibility to aquatic animals and the dangers of soap pollution. Although it is written as a display, this can be easily adapted to a hands-on activity by having learners make their own bottles.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Exhibit
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Two clear plastic or glass bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids (between 200 and 500 ml)
  • Water (about 500 ml)
  • Mineral oil (about 300 ml)
  • Blue food coloring
  • Sudan IV indicator (or other oil-soluble dye)
  • Dishwashing soap
  • Electrician’s tape
  • One 1-tbsp measuring spoon (general storage )

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Human Impact
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation