How To Make A Wave Machine

Waves are made when wind brushes over the surface of the water. The wave forms in the ocean and then breaks near the shore. A wave machine can be made as a craft or for something more advanced, like a science project. Wave machines are helpful in demonstrating how waves break when they approach the shore. In this project, a white foam background is used to add depth and dimension to the waves.

Step 1

Buy a clear plastic bottle with a lid that will screw on tightly.

Step 2

Cover half of the bottle lengthwise with a sheet of foam by gluing on the foam.

Step 3

Fill 1/3 of the bottle with water.

Step 4

Add blue food coloring one drop at a time until the water is the color you would like.

Step 5

Add mineral oil to the mixture. Fill the bottle with mineral oil until the consistency reaches the rim of the bottle.

Step 6

Wrap plumber's tape around the area of the bottle where you will secure the lid. These are called bottle threads.

Step 7

Place the lid on the bottle and secure tightly.