Sensory jars are a great hands-on activity for the classroom to teach a few simple science concepts to students. Have them practice writing a hypothesis and conclusion with each sensory jar.
Grades: K +
Objective: Create sensory jars to demonstrate how density, viscosity and magnetism work. Teach students to write a hypothesis, observe and conclude for each experiment.
Discover Density
Step 1:
Fill half of the jar with oil.
Step 2:
In a measuring cup mix water and food coloring together. Add the colored water to the oil in the jar. Drop an additional drop or two of food coloring into the mixture.
Step 3: Using the super glue, bond the lid to the jar.
Step 4:
Have students gently shake the jar and describe what they observe. Ask students if oil and water mix. Why doesn't oil mix with water? Oil is less dense than water so the difference in density causes the oil to float.
Discover What's Magnetic
Step 1:
Have students fill their jar with various objects. We used paper clips, mini pom poms and cut up chenille stems.
Step 2:
Let students write down their hypothesis about what they believe will stick to the magnet.
Step 3: Next, have them test their hypothesis by placing the magnetic wands on the outside of the jar to see what sticks and what doesn't!
Discover Viscosity
Step 1:
Place various objects into the jars. We used pony beads and marbles.
Step 2:
Fill the jar half full with corn syrup. Secure the lids with super glue.
Step 3:
Have students predict if the items in the jar will move fast or slow. Ask them to justify their predictions. Let students experiment with the jar and observe which objects move faster than others. Explain that the corn syrup is thick and sticky and this causes the objects to move slowly through the liquid.
Optional: Repeat this same experiment with water and compare how the objects move through water versus the corn syrup.
Just For Fun Glitter Jars Step 1: Pour one bottle of glitter glue into the jar. Step 2: Add the same color glitter packet. Fill the jar with water and use super glue to adhere the lid. Step 3: Gently shake up the jars and watch them sparkle! 
