Water and Oil Tray

If you have been keeping track of our Summer 2022 Theme Days, you have probably seen a few water sensory bin activities. I love using water because it is usually easy to clean. We used this Water and Oil Tray for a Thinking Tuesday. After everything was set up, I asked the kids what they thought would happen. They have had a lot of experience with food coloring and water, so they guessed they would be mixing to make purple or green.

They were entranced that the oil and water did not mix. We followed up with watching a video about why oil and water behave this way, but it was over everyone’s head! Oops.

This activity took a little more attention on my end, so not one I would just set up and walk away for an extended period of time. Let’s check it out.

Here’s what you need

• Large dish/baking pan- I specifically picked something that fits in our dishwasher because I knew this would be messy at the end. I like glass/clear so they could see what was happening under the surface.

• Pipettes- We used reusable ones, and for older kids that would have been great! But when I turned away for one minute, everything was covered in oil! These stayed a little greasy after a trip through the dishwasher and take a little effort to clean by hand. We should have used these disposable pipettes, but I guess I forgot that 3 and 5 year olds thrive with mess.

• Food Coloring

• Clear cups or divided serving tray- just make sure this can fit into the dishwasher if it is reusable. I definitely don’t have time to hand wash extra dishes!

• Oil- we used canola because I have an obnoxiously large container that I’m trying to get rid of.

• Water- I filled a large mason jar inside and then let the kids take turns pouring it into the divided tray.

Set up

5 minutes active

1. Fill bowl/jar with water.

2. Pour water into divided container and use food coloring to make desired colors. I think 3-5 is great, more than that would be overwhelming for this age. Older kids might be able to manage more.

3. Fill tray/baking dish with oil. I used an old towel underneath even though we were outside because I wasn’t certain if colored oil would stain the deck or not.

4. Use pipettes to transfer colored water into baking dish. I had to remind them several times to not squeeze in a big stream, but try to use drops. My reminders felt futile by the end and oil ended up everywhere, but they loved the mess!

Clean up

1 minute

1. Dump oil and water out.

2. Put everything into the dishwasher if reusable or throw away if disposable.

Like I mentioned earlier, this activity definitely required my attention more than others. The oil was something new for the kids and even though it was messy, they loved it! If you do this inside, use a towel or washable shower curtain liner.

Even though the cleanup was a little more involved for me, your cleanup should be super simple if you learn from my mistakes. The science aspect of this was above them at 3 and 5 years old, but I thought it was fun to introduce a new fluid and at least start a science conversation.

You could absolutely theme this with different colors for different holidays. In fact, I think this might have to be a 2-4x/year activity in my house! Comment below if you try this water and oil tray.