Recycled Plastic Bottle Project; Kids Sensory Bottles

So... Summer Vacation has commenced here in Maine. Which means that the sibling rivalry has also started and... is driving me nuts! My kids are 10, 6 and almost 3. If you think that an age gap will minimize the fighting, just trust me, it will not (most likely). Don't get me wrong, I love my munchkins even though there is currently a war transpiring in my living room.
Now to cut to the chase, I've been trying to find ways to keep them busy and help them calm down when necessary. This morning this search led me to Sensory Bottles, the best of both worlds (hopefully).
There are a few big bonuses with this project:

1. They can actually play with the finished product and maybe even use it to calm down. Juries still out on the calm part, stay tuned for that one.
   
2. It's a science experiment and art project in one.
3. Even little ones can help.
4. It recycles plastic bottles... like our lotion bottles, they're perfect for this!
   

DIY Sensory Bottle
What you will need:

• A clear plastic bottle of choice. i.e. Pure Bliss lotion bottle, Used water bottle, etc. (any size will work, labels removed)
• Water
• Vegetable Oil (if you can find glycerin it's a fun addition too and adds to the science fun)
• Glitter, Beads, Buttons, Sequins, Etc. (We had some Jojoba Beads to add, but that's not a common household item)
• Food Coloring or acrylic paint of choice for color
• A funnel or measuring cup for pouring
• Electrical or Duct Tape for sealing the top

The best part about this project is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. I let the kids play scientist with this a little. We added our color to the water in a measuring cup, gave it a mix and then added it to the bottle. We did the same thing with the Glycerin (a different color) and then added this to the bottle. Then we poured the oil on top. Alternatively, you could put the oil in first and watch it make it's way to the top. You can also use varying amounts of each liquid, the choice is yours (or theirs, kids love choosing).
We added glitter, beads and buttons last. Once everything was in the bottle we taped the lid on to keep it secure and the kids got busy shaking and swirling their bottles.
To make this more of an experiment here are some things you could ask or discuss:

• Have them write a hypothesis and a conclusion. Alternatively they could write a journal entry.
• Ask lots of questions: What will happen when we put everything in the bottle? Will the liquids mix together? Will the buttons, beads, glitter float or sink and why?
• For older kids you could talk about solubility of the food coloring or paint. Explaining that the coloring is water soluble and wont disperse in the oil. Alternatively you could use oil based paints and color the oil (not recommended for young children).
• Add other liquids such as dish soap and see what happens

When you've finished experimenting the kids can play with their bottles. If you have a child that likes to take things apart it's best not to leave them unsupervised with their bottle as it might get messy. We have a strict no bedroom policy.
If you try this project we would love to see your family's creations. You could share them here or on social media with #pureblissbodyconfections 
Happy Summer!!!

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