Invisible Skin

Early last week, Oliver and I did a science experiment about molecules, using oil and water. He really liked this experiment for a lot of reasons! At first, he really liked trying to get the oil and water to mix. But even though he tried his best, it didn't work out. ;-) He also liked that the book used a polar bear as an example, and also that he got to use his hands as part of our experiment.

This one was super easy and simple. To do it yourself, you'll need:
4-6 drops of vegetable oil
soap for hand washing

The book asks, "How can polar bears swim in the freezing arctic water without freezing themselves?" The answer is because their fur is oily (I didn't know that!) and that oil and water don't mix.

First, you can pour some water and oil into a clear container to see what happens (this wasn't in the book, but it was fun!).


Then, hold your hands over a sink and add a few drops of oil. Rub your hands together, then drip some water from the faucet over your oily hands and see what happens!



Of all the experiments we've done, Oliver liked this one and the gummy bear one the best. :-)