ACTIVITY 2: Layers of the Atmosphere

Group No:

Members:

Materials:
A clear glass jar
Blue food coloring
Corn syrup
Vegetable oil
Blue dish soap
Water
Rubbing alcohol
Funnels
Labels
Procedures:
1. Each form of liquid will be measured as a half cup. But if your jar is bigger or
smaller, feel free to adjust.
2. Trench Zone:
Measure out the corn syrup. Add lots of blue food coloring to match the darkness in the
true Trench Zone. Using your funnel, pour into the bottom of your glass jar.
3. Abyss Zone:
Grab your blue dish soap for the next layer. Funnel in the half-cup of liquid.
4. Midnight Zone:
Drip in a few drops of food coloring to tepid water from the sink for the next layer. Be
sure to use the funnel to slowly add the water to the layers. If you pour in too fast, the
water will mix with the soap.
5. Twilight Zone:
While everyone knows the ocean isn’t yellow, vegetable oil is the best way to
demonstrate the Twilight Zone (and vegetable oil is nearly impossible to color). Layer
the vegetable oil on top of the water. Again, use a funnel and work slowly.
6. Sunlight Zone:
Lastly, using an eyedropper or old medicine dispenser, very slowly add the rubbing
alcohol for the final layer.
 Documentation
(Pictures w/ captions)
 Reflection
(Each group should have their own reflection or reaction)