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You are here: Home / Learn / Science / How to Make an Ocean in a Bottle to Calm the Spirits

How to Make an Ocean in a Bottle to Calm the Spirits

August 7, 2009

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Today we made an ocean in a bottle! As you know, I’ve been preparing some after-camp activities for my son to keep him busy while his brother naps. Since we had so much fun with watercolor pencil seashell art, we are continuing with the seashore theme. As you can see, books about the sea were an important addition!

How to make an ocean in a bottle

Kiddo likes to read instructions (I’m sure he’ll grow out of that as his testosterone kicks in) so I wrote some out. Granted, this was an activity that required my help at the onset, but the completed ocean provided much entertainment. As we were walking back from the library later that afternoon Kiddo said he “needed to get back to his ocean in a bottle.” (Note: affiliate links below.)

Instructions:

  1. Put glitter* and shells in plastic bottle. If you haven’t been to a beach lately, you can get tiny seashells here.
  2. Use funnel and fill bottle half-full with water.
  3. Add a few drops of blue and/or green coloring.
  4. Pour oil in bottle an inch or so. clear oil like this is best, otherwise your ocean will be a bit yellow.
  5. Screw cap on tight (secure with glue or tape, if desired)
  6. Swish bottle back and forth to watch the waves!

Watch the video!

*Note: I no longer suggest using glitter. Glitter is tiny pieces of plastic that eventually ends up in the tummies of birds and sea life.

More ocean themed fun:

  • Seashell watercolor drawings
  • Seashell activities for kids
  • Ocean coloring page and fish puppets
  • Beach coloring page

Make an ocean in a bottle.

How to make an ocean in a bottle for calm kids.
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by: Erica posted in: Nature, Science 10 Comments

« Seashell Art
Composting Fun »

Comments

  1. Brooklyn says

    May 26, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    I love this idea! Thanks for giving me ideas this summer!

    Reply
    • Erica MomandKiddo says

      May 27, 2015 at 5:51 am

      I’m glad you like it. Have fun!

      Reply
  2. pauline mahon says

    April 4, 2017 at 11:57 am

    my gransons teacher suggested your web site , for my 5 year old. BRILLIENT !!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Erica says

      April 5, 2017 at 12:46 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Kelly says

    April 26, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    Would baby oil work?

    Reply
    • Erica says

      April 29, 2017 at 3:14 pm

      If your baby oil is mineral oil, then yes.

      Reply
  4. Sam says

    March 8, 2019 at 1:39 pm

    We have a snow day today. One of my son’s assignments is to create a model of a habitat. We have all these supplies right here at home to make this. Thanks for posting!

    Reply
  5. Elsa says

    September 10, 2019 at 1:56 pm

    I love this! How big are the fish and sea horse? Where did you get them? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Erica says

      September 16, 2019 at 9:52 am

      They are very small. I got them in a Zoob tube of sea animals at a toy store but I believe you can also get them on Amazon.

      Reply
      • Elsa says

        September 23, 2019 at 7:55 pm

        If anyone is looking, I found them. 🙂

        Safari 100225 Good Luck Minis Fun Packs Coral Reef Minature https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077DQH6YK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jTvIDbMV7NWFJ

        Reply

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