Do the Sparkle

What can we use if clear school glue, a clear bottle, or fine glitter are hard to find?

Use a clear plastic water bottle or mason jar instead of the clear bottle, replace clear school glue with clear hair gel or diluted clear Mod Podge in the same glue-step, and add biodegradable glitter, sequins, or colored sugar through the funnel or spoon as a substitute for fine glitter.

The glitter clumps or sinks immediately — what should we try to fix it?

Check that the glue is about one quarter full and you added warm water almost to the top, then shake the bottle vigorously for 30 seconds as instructed and, if needed, increase the glue ratio or add a few drops of clear glycerin before sealing the lid with strong tape to slow settling.

How do we adapt the activity for toddlers, school-age kids, or older kids?

For toddlers have an adult pre-mix the glue and warm water in a large nonbreakable bottle and handle the funnel, glitter, and taping steps, for school-age children let them pour the glue, add glitter with a spoon, and screw the lid, and for older kids have them measure ingredients, experiment with 1–2 teaspoons of different glitters and 0–2 drops of food coloring, time settling patterns, and record results to share on DIY.org.

How can we personalize or extend the sparkle jar after making it?

Before screwing the lid on you can drop in tiny plastic toys or sequins, add glow-in-the-dark paint or a few drops of food coloring for color, decorate the taped lid with washi tape or stickers, or make multiple jars with different glitter amounts and compare settling times as an experiment to post on DIY.org.