Make a jellyfish from a plastic bag and place it in a bottle of water to watch it swirl and “swim” around! It’s really mesmerizing to watch, and it makes a great prop for storytime or a lesson at school.
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What is the science behind the jellyfish in a bottle?
The simple answer is that air is lighter than water, so no matter which way you turn the bottle, the jellyfish head will rise. Water is more dense than air, because there are more water molecules per unit, compared to air. Water molecules form bonds with each other, keeping the molecules together. This, in turn, makes the water heavier, allowing the air to rise.
What kind of container is best to make a jellyfish in a bottle?
We used an 850 ml VOSS water bottle to make our jellyfish in a bottle. You’ll need a clear bottle to place your jellyfish in, ideally one with flat sides, so you can see the jellyfish clearly. You can also use a larger bottle, such as a 1 or 2 liter soda bottle, because it gives the jellyfish more room to “swim”. You can also place your jellyfish in a mason jar.
What type of bag makes the best jellyfish in a bottle?
We used 1/2 of a produce bag from the grocery store to make our jellyfish and it worked really well. The plastic is nice and thin, allowing you to rip the tentacles using only your hands. You can also use a grocery bag or a ziploc bag to make your jellyfish. Or try using iridescent film paper or cellophane.
Use recycled items to make this DIY jellyfish in a bottle, and help teach kids why littering is bad. This craft shows how ocean animals, like a sea turtle, can mistake a plastic bag for a jellyfish, which is very dangerous. It’s important to recycle and dispose of trash properly so that plastic doesn’t end up in the ocean!
Here’s even more fun ideas:
DIY Sensory Bottles
Balloon Car
How to Make a Lava Lamp
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
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