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We had fun this week doing a few different kinds of rainbow science. We were exploring how paper towels absorb water and seeing a rainbow of colors! The kids loved doing these simple experiments. They learned all about colors and absorption. We did two different experiments at the same time- both are very simple and require only things you’ll already have in your home.
Rainbow Science: Walking Water
The first experiment is just a few cups of colored water and paper towels. It is often called walking water. We started with 6 plastic cups (but later added in a 7th) Two of the cups had blue water, tinted with food coloring, one was red and one was yellow. Then you will need 3 empty plastic cups. It is nice to have clear ones so you can watch the process.
The water will begin soaking up the paper towel and into the empty cups mixing the two colors together and making a secondary color. It takes a VERY long time, so tell your kids that this is something you will be watching all day long.
Rainbow Science: Absorption
In a plastic container- I used a small clear plastic storage bin, but you could use a bowl, or whatever you have on hand- put a small amount of water, enough to just reach the bottom of the paper towel. You don’t want the water level to reach the colors on your paper towel or it will make a swirly mess of colors. Believe me, we did that first. Place the paper towel into the water- just hang it over the edge.
The water soaks up the paper towel bringing all of the colors with it making a wonderful rainbow. My daughter who loves painting and colors was just so excited about this. She thought it was beautiful!!
Earning-My-Cape says
August 26, 2012 at 1:51 amThis is great!!! It would be fun to do after dying Easter eggs, too! 🙂
Thanks for sharing with my Super Link Party! 🙂
Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com) says
August 27, 2012 at 12:12 amWhat a cool idea!
Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Have a great week =-)
Beth
Carolyn Wilhelm says
August 28, 2012 at 1:29 amThis is an excellent project and thank you so much for sharing. Children are so impressed with experiments like this and they are so memorable. Thank you so much, Carolyn
Jackie H. says
August 28, 2012 at 5:49 pmAwesome! We’ve been reading the book, “Mouse Paint” this week and these would be some great color experiment to go along with our reading.
Tonya Dirksen says
August 28, 2012 at 1:28 pmThis is great! I was trying to think of something fun to do today and this is it! Can’t wait to try it. Thank you!
Tonya
Tonya Dirksen says
August 28, 2012 at 5:38 pmWe just finished both experiments and they are so cool! Thanks for sharing!
Multiples Mom says
August 29, 2012 at 3:11 pmThis is a great idea. It is a fun way to learn and the colors are so vibrant. Please stop by and link this post (and any other arts, crafts and play posts) to Artsy Play Wednesday on Capri + 3. I hope to see you there.
: 0 ) Theresa
http://www.multiples-mom.com
Ticia says
August 31, 2012 at 2:26 pmI love this, so many different ways to teach absorption. I love the cups one, it’s one of my favorites.
Thanks for linking up to Science Sunday!
Allison says
September 1, 2012 at 4:51 amI love this activity and your approach to it. Thank you for linking up to The Sunday Showcase. I’ll be featuring you tomorrow.
Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas says
September 1, 2012 at 12:07 pmWhat a great experiment/activity. I featured it on this week’s Sunday Showcase – thanks for sharing with us! Can’t wait to try it with my girls.
Shaunna @ Fantastic Fun and Learning says
March 12, 2014 at 6:21 amWe are doing this today! Thanks for the inspiration. And thank you for linking up to Discover & Explore. I’m featuring this post today.
Falkhi says
April 9, 2016 at 11:24 pmAmazing!! I love this activity. Thanks for the idea, i’ll try with my student