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Beaker Creatures DIY Nebula Jars!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Dec 10, 2018 | STEM
Give the Creatures a home this Holiday!
The creative craft sweeping the online STEM community are nebula jars, miniature models of the mesmerizing, interstellar formations.This seems like the perfect place for our Beaker Creatures to settle in for the holidays. With a few simple supplies and some eager Beaker Creatures, creating nebula jars are an out-of-this-world experience. Let’s find out what a nebula is all about and how to make your very own version!
![Nebula jar](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-10-03-at-6.42.05-PM.png)
What is a nebula?
![Nebula jar](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-10-03-at-6.42.05-PM.png)
A nebula is an interstellar cloud made up of dust, hydrogen, helium, and other ionized gases. Some nebulae (more than one nebula) come from the gas and dust thrown out by the explosion of a dying star, such as a supernova. Other nebulae are regions where new stars are beginning to form, sometimes called “star nurseries.”
![DIY Nebula Jar](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9717-1024x768.jpg)
How do stars form in a nebula?
Because of all that hydrogen and helium, the dust and gases are very spread out. Gravity can slowly begin to pull together clumps of dust and gas. As they grow, the gravity gets stronger. Those clumps of dust and gas get so big that they collapse from its own gravity. The collapse marks the beginning of a star, because the material at the center of the cloud heats up, and a hot core is formed.Sounds like a place where Beaker Creatures would want to hang out!
![DIY Nebula Jar](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9717-1024x768.jpg)
Supplies you will need to make your own nebula jar:
Clear glass jar with a lid
Water
Tempera paint – at least two colors
Glitter
Cotton balls
Spoon
Beaker Creatures!
![Beaker Creatures DIY Nebula](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9643-1024x768.jpg)
STEP ONE:
Fill the bottom of the jar with water, about 1/5 of the way up.
![DIY Nebula Jar Christmas Creatures](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9683-1024x768.jpg)
STEP TWO:
Add a few good squeezes of tempera paint. Kids will delight in the unique shape the paint takes when it hits the water. It almost looks like ribbons. Stir well into the water.
![DIY Nebula Jar](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9685-1024x768.jpg)
STEP THREE:
Add a handful of cotton balls and a sprinkle of glitter. Place a beaker creature in a cotton ball to prop it up, and lower it into the water.
![DIY Beaker Creature Nebula Jar](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9697-1024x768.jpg)
![DIY Nebula Jar](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9703-1024x768.jpg)
STEP FOUR:
Now repeat the steps, but with a different color of tempera paint. Depending on the size of your jar, you will probably repeat these steps between 4-6 times before there is no more room left in your jar.
![DIY Nebula Jar](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9706-1024x768.jpg)
![Nebula Jar DIY](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9709-1024x768.jpg)
Screw on the lid tight!
![DIY Nebula Jar](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9713-1024x768.jpg)
Looks like a cozy spot to settle in!
![DIY Nebula Jar](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9728-1024x768.jpg)
Holiday Holidays from the Beaker Creatures!
See this #AmazonGiveaway for a chance to win: Learning Resources Beaker Creatures Reactor Pods, 6 Pack.https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/94ab5b5746061ab1 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends the earlier of Jan 16, 2019 11:59 PM PST, or when all prizes are claimed. See Official Rules http://amzn.to/GArules.Save it for later!
![DIY Beaker Creatures Toys](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Beaker-Creatures-DIY-Nebula-Jars__pin.png)