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    Home » Early Years Science » Preschool Science » Creepy density demonstration for Halloween

    Creepy density demonstration for Halloween

    Modified: Oct 3, 2024 · Published: Oct 14, 2020 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 23 Comments

    Welcome to our Halloween density demonstration. Density sounds complicated, but it is a very cool concept to explore, leading to many fun, creative science opportunities.

    The image below shows a traditional density jar made with honey, golden syrup, washing-up liquid, water and vegetable oil.

    I adapted the activity slightly to make a creepy Halloween version!

    Density tower made with different layered liquids with a Halloween theme.

    What you need to make a density tower

    Treacle

    Tall glass or jar
    Golden Syrup
    Water
    Food colouring
    Vegetable Oil
    Small items to test for floating

    Density Tower Instructions

    Pour each liquid into the glass slowly, starting with the treacle, then the golden syrup, followed by the water with added food colouring and finally the vegetable oil.

    Drop a few small items into the jar and watch to see which layer they float on.

    In the image above, you can see a plastic bug floating on top, a LEGO brick floating on the water, and a paper clip floating on the treacle. Why do they do this?

    Spooky Density Column Instructions
    spooky density column science activity instructions

    Why does a density tower work?

    Each liquid has a different density. The more dense a liquid is, the heavier it is. In the demonstration above, the most dense liquids are on the bottom and the least dense at the top.

    Objects and liquids float on liquids of a higher density and sink through liquids of lower density. The LEGO brick falls through the oil but floats on the water. The plastic bug floating on the oil is less dense than all the liquids used.

    For a complete explanation, see my floating and density post.

    If you liked this spooky activity, you’ll love my collection of Halloween science experiments, including making fake blood, spooky potions and lots more creepy science for kids!

    Make fake blood for a Halloween costume

    Don’t forget to check out our other fun science activities for children, too!

    You might also like my book Gross Science!

    Gross Science - science book for kids - collage of images from the book

    Affiliate links

    Last Updated on October 3, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

    « Jelly Scabs – Make a Fake Scab
    Easy Halloween STEM Challenges for Kids »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Donna

      September 14, 2012 at 1:28 pm

      treacle is molasses

      Reply
      • tara

        October 01, 2012 at 2:49 pm

        thanks! i was just about to google that!

        Reply
      • mejaka

        October 02, 2012 at 4:18 pm

        Thanks, Donna! I assume corn syrup can sub for the golden, since that isn’t readily available in the states either. (My favorite granola recipe calls for Lyle’s and I’ve been wondering if it’s worth ordering…currently I sub honey.)

        Reply
    2. maggy, red ted art

      September 20, 2012 at 5:55 pm

      Oooh YUK! 🙂

      Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

      Maggy

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        September 23, 2012 at 1:00 pm

        Ha ha, we like yuck!

        Reply
    3. Carrie

      September 21, 2012 at 4:56 pm

      So neat!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!

      Reply
    4. Kendra

      October 16, 2013 at 1:34 am

      I know this sounds stupid, but I just want to make sure that I understand correctly. The molasses won’t mix with the corn syrup? Even if a child shakes it?

      Reply

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