Create the Dead Sea in a Jar

Most people that live in the western hemisphere will never have the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and visit the Bible lands, much less float in the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is a place of wonder located at the lowest point on the Earth. The sea cannot support life because of its salt content, but it is widely known for its healing properties.

Recently I began teaching a ladies class covering the topic of Bible history and geography. As I read over the historical references of the Dead Sea, I began to ponder how I could bring a representation of the Dead Sea to my class. There is no other body of water that even remotely compares to the Dead Sea. While we live on the gulf coast and are familiar with salt water, there really is no comparison. The Dead Sea has a salt to water ratio of about 25% salt to 75% water. I wanted the class to be able to see the water as well as be able to feel its texture. That's when I decided to make the Dead Sea in a jar.

Dead Sea in a Jar

Materials:
Pint glass jar
Jar lid
Water
Table Salt
Measuring Cups
Small rubber spatula

Measure ¼ cup table salt and place it in a pint jar.

Add ¾ cups of water to the salt.

Using a small rubber spatula, stir the salt and water until it is thoroughly mixed. It is important to note that not all of the salt will incorporate into the water, no matter how much you mix it.

Secure the lid on the glass jar. Make sure that it is nice and tight. The jar will probably be shaken several times during your class; it is amazing to watch the salt water to become cloudy and then settle back down to a clearer consistency.

Once the water and salt has been mixed well, allow the saltwater mixture to rest until the water becomes clear. After the water is clear, the over abundance of salt is easily seen in the jar. About one-half inch of salt remains resting on the bottom of the jar at all times.

Allow your class to examine the water jar. I had the ladies pass the jar around class. They were able to observe the water's density as well as make little salt whirlpools in the jar if they shook it just right. If the class desires, remove the lid and allow the ladies to touch the water.

This project also works well for classes of all age groups.

References:
History and Geography of the Bible Story; Bob & Sandra Waldron; 2008