Materials:
- Water
- Non-toxic yellow highlighter
- Flashlight
- Clear jar or plastic bottle
- A pair of tongs
- Gloves
- An adult science helper! (Very important for this activity)
Directions: First, fill the container with water. Then, have an adult remove the bottom of the highlighter to reveal the ink container. Drop the ink container into the water with a pair of tongs or gloves. Let the ink container sit for a little bit. Then, turn off the lights and shine a flashlight on the jar. You will notice that the water appears to glow in the dark! This may not work with all highlighter brands, so it is best to experiment.
After you have completed the experiment, think about how marine and land animals use the light that they produce. How does it help them survive?
Have an adult help you to send me pictures of your glow-in-the-dark water by emailing me at
