In the next Grade 5 project, Pollution Problem, students will learn how to clean up an oil spill at sea.          

　Oil and water do not mix. If you try to mix oil with water, you will see that the oil stays on the top of the water. However, if you add some dishwashing soap to the water, something very interesting happens.

Try It At Home

1. Pour some water into a clear glass.     

2. Add a little cooking oil. Draw what you see in the "before" glass.  

3. Add a few drops of dishwashing soap and stir.  Now draw what you see in the "after" glass. 

How It Works - Let Us Take a Closer Look!

　The drops of oil float on top of the water. They have a kind of stretchy skin around them and they like to stick together. The dishwashing soap breaks up the skin and the oil seems to disappear into the water. This also explains how dishwashing soap can clean an oily dish!