Mai Lesson
Rainbow Density Tower
Science · 30 min · Ages 9-11 · Upper elementary · Your child and Mai
Discover the science of density by creating a stunning layered liquid tower. This challenge explores why some liquids float while others sink, using common household ingredients to build a vibrant, gravity-defying display.
What your child gets out of it
- Predict how different liquids will layer based on their density.
- Construct a multi-layered liquid column with distinct boundaries.
- Explain the concept of density in relation to floating and sinking.
What you need
- Tall Clear Glass — Needs to be tall enough to show distinct layers. (or Clear Vase, Clear Jar)
- Water
- Cooking Oil (or Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil)
- Honey — You will need either honey or dish soap, not both. (or Dish Soap)
- Honey or dish soap
How it runs
- Introduction · 5 min
- Explore & Plan · 8 min
- Discussion · 6 min
- Activity · 9 min
- Summary · 2 min
Why it matters
Understanding density helps engineers design ships that float, submarines that dive, and even helps meteorologists understand weather patterns.
Mai is a tutor your child talks to out loud. Open this lesson in the app and she'll run it with them.
Open in Mai SchoolAlready have the app? Tap the link again from your phone and it opens right there.