Color explosion

Chemistry doesn't have to be boring—especially when you can get a cool art project out of it. 

Check out what happens when milk, food coloring, and dish soap create a cool chemical reaction with this experiment from the Nat Geo Kids book Try This! Extreme .

Once you're done, try it again using a small plate full of craft glue instead of milk. Let the glue dry and remove the glue disk from the plate for a visible souvenir of this experiment.

Fill the dish with about half an inch of milk.

Add dots of colors using food coloring. Make whatever pattern you like, but yse plenty of colorful dots.

Drop just one drip of dish detergent in the middle of the milk. Watch what happens! The colors will sink in response to the dish detergent, then emerge again—marbleizing and combining—before stabilizing and standing still

WHAT'S GOING ON

Milk is an emulsion, a suspension of fat droplets in water. This means they’re not mixed in, just hanging in the milk. Food coloring sits in drops in the water, too, making a stable system—until the dish detergent is added. Dish detergents are meant to separate out dirt or grease so they can be washed away. When the dish detergent is added, the suspension is broken up, and the fat droplets all rush to combine with each other, causing the blossoming of color.

After the colors marbleize, try to transfer the pattern onto a piece of paper. Drop the paper flat onto the milk’s surface and allow the liquid to soak it for a moment or two. Then lift the paper by several corners, flip it, and transfer to a paper towel to dry. Then spray it with Clear-Coat or another acrylic art spray to preserve the colors.

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Creative Arts & Science

School glue and food colouring experiment: stunning colour effects..

What you need:

School glue

Food colouring

Glitter (Optional)

How to do this experiment:

Pour some glue on a plate

Add drops of food colouring

Use the Q-tip to drop a little dish soap on each colour.

What I observed:

The dish soap caused the food colouring to move in different direction, forming beautiful patterns.

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3 Dish Soap Science Tricks You Can DO Right Now!

We all want fun stuff to do with our kids – but many times the kids activities we find are too complicated and require way too much work. Not these!

Using dish soap and a few common kitchen ingredients, you can create amazing dish soap science projects  that your kids will talk about for days to come.

Want a fun kid activity that needs only a couple of supplies? Do these 3 activities tonight with only dish soap and other ingredients you have in your kitchen.

I want to be a fun mom.  Don’t you?

However, I must admit that I get a tad overwhelmed.  Many kid activities also come with a huge list of needed supplies.

Go out and buy this obscure glue from a craft store across town.  Get this size (and only this size) of plastic baggies – and then of course your local grocery store is out of everything you need.

Let’s stop the madness!!

Here are three activities that you already have the supplies for:

No, really.

  • Pepper Magic

Colored Milk Art

  • Dish soap silly putty

Not only can you pull these items together in five minutes flat, but they will also amaze your kiddos.  And when you’re ready, I have 15 Very Simple Science Experiments You Can Do With Your Kids here.

Dish Soap Science: Pepper Magic

On our recent Disney cruise , one of our waiters amused my kids with this trick at dinner one night.

All you need is:

So easy, yes?

First, fill a shallow plate with water and sprinkle pepper on the surface.  Ask your child to stick his finger right in the center.

Nothing will happen.

Now, you act surprised and tell him, “Here, let me see your hand.”  (secretly squeeze a little dish soap on your own fingers before)

“I forgot to give your hand a little bit of magic.”

Massage his fingertips with your own.

“Now, try.”

He will stick his finger in the water again.  This time, his finger will repel the tiny pepper granules causing them to scurry to the edge of the plate.

easy magic trick with dish soap and pepper

For this experiment, you’ll need:

  • food coloring
  • a cotton swab

For another magical experience, fill a shallow plate with milk.  Squeeze food coloring in the middle of the plate on the milk’s surface.

colored milk kid activity

Dab a cotton swab with dish soap and stick in the center of the food coloring.

milk and dish soap science experiment

Sit back and watch the color show!

Dish Soap Silly Putty

When you are all done with the magic, keep that dish soap handy and create a putty for your kids to play with on their own.  All you need is:

  • corn starch

I found this activity originally on Smart Schoolhouse .  You will love how easy it is!

Simply mix together 2 tbs corn starch and 1.5 tablespoons dish soap.  Stir for about 10 seconds.  Pick up the clay and mix in your hands a little more.

And you’re done.  Seriously, that’s it!

What fun will you create tonight?

How can I have more fun, quality time with my family?

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This fun activity is a great way to learn more about absorption

glue and food coloring experiment

Salt is hygroscopic, which means it can absorb both liquid and water vapor in the air. This fun activity is a great way to learn more about absorption. The salt we sprinkle on our glue design in this activity absorbs the water (and paint color) through a chemical reaction. When the water touches the salt, the water and the ink are absorbed and spread throughout the salt. This fun activity is demonstrated in our very own bodies every day when we eat foods that are high in salt. Salt is absorbed through our small intestine and enters the bloodstream, which makes our blood saltier. The salt pulls water from the inside of our cells, a process called osmosis, to even out the amount of salt in our bloodstream. If you have a lot of water inside a cell and only a small amount outside the cell, some of the water will move outside the cell to balance everything out; this works in the opposite direction as well. Once the process of osmosis is over, a signal is sent to the brain that the body needs more water; we feel it when we are thirsty. Now, let’s learn more about absorption while putting our art skills to the test! Materials:

  • Card Stock or mixed media paper
  • Bottle of white glue
  • Food coloring or watercolor paints
  • Pipettes, droppers or brushes
  • Small plastic cups
  • Tray, baking dish or box

Directions:

  • If you are using food coloring, fill plastic cups up with about a half a cup of water. Then, add one color of food coloring to each cup. The more food coloring you use, the darker the color will be. If you are using watercolor paints, make sure that you put a lot of water on the paint. The more soaked it is the better.
  • Place your paper in a tray (with edges), baking dish or box and sprinkle salt over the glue.
  • After the glue is well coated, remove the paper from the box and gently shake the paper to remove any extra salt.
  • Once the glue has dried, fill your pipette or paintbrush with a lot of paint and gently drop the paint on the salt. Then, observe as the color spreads.

Enjoy fun science experiments for kids that feature awesome hands-on projects and activities that help bring the exciting world of science to life.

Crazy Putty

Using some everyday household items such as borax, water, PVA glue and food coloring, make some crazy putty that you can squish in your hands, mould into shapes or even bounce on the ground.

 

 

 

The PVA glue you use is a type of polymer called polyvinyl acetate (PVA for short), while the borax is made of a chemical called sodium borate. When you combine the two in a water solution, the borax reacts with the glue molecules, joining them together into one giant molecule. This new compound is able to absorb large amounts of water, producing a putty like substance which you can squish in your hands or even bounce.

 

 

Science Kids ©  |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |  Updated: Oct 9, 2023

How to Make Slime with Borax and White Glue

You can experiment with proportions to alter the results

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Possibly the best science project you can do using chemistry is making slime. It's gooey, stretchy, fun, and easy to make. It takes only a few ingredients and a few minutes to make a batch. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make this slime recipe with borax.

Gather Your Slime Materials

To get started, you will need:

  • Food coloring (unless you want uncolored white slime)

Instead of using white glue, you can make slime using clear glue , which will produce a translucent slime . If you don't have borax, you can use contact lens saline solution, which contains sodium borate.

Prepare the Slime Solutions

Our slime recipe with borax, like many slime formulas, has two components: a borax and water solution and a glue, water, and food coloring solution. Prepare them separately:

  • Mix 1 teaspoon of borax in 1 cup of water. Stir until the borax is dissolved.
  • In a separate container, mix 1/2 cup (4 oz.) white glue with 1/2 cup water. Add food coloring, if desired.

You also can mix in other ingredients, such as glitter, colored foam beads, or glow powder. If you use contact lens solution instead of borax, you don't need to add water to dissolve it. Just substitute 1 cup of contact solution for the borax and water.

The first time you make slime, it's a good idea to measure the ingredients so that you know what to expect. Once you have a bit of experience, feel free to vary the amounts of borax, glue, and water. You might want to conduct an experiment to see which ingredient controls how stiff the slime is and which affects how fluid it is.

Mix the Slime Solutions

After you have dissolved the borax and diluted the glue, you are ready to combine the two solutions. Stir one solution into the other. Your slime will begin to polymerize immediately.

Finish the Slime

The slime will become hard to stir after you mix the borax and glue solutions. Try to mix it up as much as you can, then remove it from the bowl and finish mixing it by hand. It's OK if some colored water remains in the bowl.

Things to Do With Slime

The slime will start out as a highly flexible polymer . You can stretch it and watch it flow. As you work it more, the slime will become stiffer and more like putty . Then you can shape it and mold it, though it will lose its shape over time. Don't eat your slime and don't leave it on surfaces that could be stained by the food coloring. Clean up any slime residue with warm, soapy water. Bleach can remove food coloring but may damage surfaces.

Storing Your Slime

Anne Helmenstine

Keep your slime in a sealable plastic bag, preferably in the refrigerator. Insects will leave slime alone because borax is a natural pesticide, but you'll want to chill the slime to prevent mold growth if you live in an area with high mold count. The main danger to your slime is evaporation, so keep it sealed when you're not using it.

How Slime Works

Slime is an example of a polymer , made by cross-linking small molecules (subunits or mer units) to form flexible chains. Much of the space between the chains is filled by water, producing a substance that has more structure than liquid water yet less organization than a solid .

Many types of slime are non-Newtonian fluids, which means that the ability to flow, or viscosity, is not a constant. Viscosity changes according to certain conditions. Oobleck is a good example of a non-Newtonian slime. Oobleck flows like a thick liquid yet resists flowing when squeezed or punched.

You can change the properties of our slime recipe with borax by playing with the ratio between the ingredients. Try adding more borax or more glue to see the effect it has on how stretchy or thick the slime is. In a polymer, molecules form cross links at specific (not random) points. This means some of one ingredient or another usually is left over from a recipe. Usually, the excess ingredient is water, which is normal when making slime.

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February 26, 2012

Kitchen table science: food coloring surface tension..

Food coloring experiment 3

A few weeks ago, Mariam and I were at a birthday party and somehow or another, the subject of this experiment came up.  One of the other parents asked for the necessary materials (which are few and usually already on hand) and we turned the experiment into an impromptu party trick right then and there.  It was a huge hit, of course, because this is one of those incredibly simple experiments that yields delightfully surprising results. 

What you will need:

A shallow dish or plate

Food coloring

Food coloring experiment 1

What you will do:

Start by pouring a small amount of milk into the plate so that the entire surface is covered with about a quarter to a half inch of milk.  Dot a few drops of food coloring around the plate, noticing that the drops sit on the surface of the milk, mostly without moving.

Food coloring experiment 2

Next, randomly add a few small drops of the dish soap to the plate.  Just for fun, Mariam and I made a little video of what happens when you do this (because seeing it actually happen is much cooler than looking at a picture of after it's already happened...).  You can check it out by clicking below.

So, why does this happen the way that it does?  It's all about surface tension.  The food coloring is less dense than the milk, so it sits on the surface and is mostly immobile when you add it.  However, the dish soap immediately begins breaking down the fat molecules in the milk, changing its density and reducing the surface tension.  This allows the food coloring to start moving through the milk, making the swirling effect. 

I would call it good, clean fun except for the fact that it involves food coloring, which is pretty much always trouble.  Nevertheless, enjoy!

Posted by Annie on February 26, 2012 at 01:09 PM in Family Life , Kitchen Table Science , Stuff for the Small | Permalink

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Science Fun

Science Fun

Googly Eye Slime Easy Science Experiment

In this fun and easy science experiment for kids, we’re going to make googly eye slime.

  • Borax Powder
  • Food coloring
  • Googly eyes
  • Measuring cup
  • Mixing spoon

Instructions:

  • Mix ½ cup of glue with ½ cup of warm water in a mixing bowl.
  • Stir to mix the water and glue.
  • Sprinkle some googly eyes into the glue mixture.
  • Add food coloring and/or glitter if desired.
  • Next, mix ½ tsp of borax with ½ cup of hot water. The hot water from the faucet should work perfectly. Mix the borax powder until dissolved. It is fine if some of the borax powder settles to the bottom and not mix into the solution completely.
  • Slowly add the borax solution into the glue mixture. Stir continuously as you add in the borax solution and soon your glue mixture will stiffen to the consistency of slime.

EXPLORE AWESOME SCIENCE EXPERIMENT VIDEOS!

How it Works:

The borax solution links the long polymers in the glue which holds them together and allows the slime to flow. While the slime can flow like a liquid, it does not have a constant viscosity. Viscosity is simply a resistance to flow. Water has a low viscosity and flows easily but honey has a higher viscosity and flows slowly. Since slime does not has a constant viscosity, it is known as a Non-Newtonian fluid. 

Make This A Science Project:

Try different types of glue. Try different types of activators like contact lenses solution, liquid starch, or baking soda. 

EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!

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Glue+Food Coloring = Paint!

glue and food coloring experiment

glue and food coloring experiment

16 comments:

glue and food coloring experiment

What a cute idea. Thank you for sharing this. I can't wait to try it. :)

I love this! I can't wait to try it when we go back in August.

glue and food coloring experiment

What a neat idea! Glue was so precious in my room last year! I have to find a way to make it last longer... I may just do this so the kids want to keep it around longer?! Kids would loveee colored glue!! Jessica Teacher Talk*

glue and food coloring experiment

Thanks for sharing! Love this idea...this makes me excited to meet my new kinders and try it! :)

What a great idea!I will have to try it. Eileen Boyle

glue and food coloring experiment

Great idea! Makes me want to head to school and dig out all my partial bottles of glue! Thanks a bunch!

What a great idea! Makes me want to head to school and dig out all my partial bottles of glue! Thanks a bunch! :-)

glue and food coloring experiment

Super cute! Thanks for sharing! Emily I Love My Classroom

I used this a lot when I taught K-1 the kids loved it and it was good motor skill practice, tracing with the glue :) Amy The Resource(ful) Room

glue and food coloring experiment

Thanks for sharing! Will be doing this with my daughter this summer! Brandi Success in Second Grade

glue and food coloring experiment

What a great idea! I never thought of this! This is so adorable! ~Your newest follower, Natalie www.thepolkadottedchirp.blogspot.com

Can't wait to try it!

If you use contact paper and cookie cutters and let dry and then peel you can create letters or any shape. I use on my light table. 2preschoolpals.blogspot.com

Fun! Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to make some!

My Kindergarten class will enjoy this.

Babble Dabble Do

DIY Suncatcher: How to Make Cosmic Suncatchers

May 7, 2013 by Ana Dziengel 117 Comments

I’m always happy to find kids crafts that my children clamor to do rather than those that require me dragging them over to the table to make; this simple DIY suncatcher is one of those enticing projects. And because it looks so psychedelic I had to nickname them Cosmic Suncatchers!

This project was the result of just messing around at the craft table one day…I was fooling around with the idea of swirling glue and color when my experiments caught my daughter’s eye and she asked to make one. Later that day her brother saw the suncatchers drying and immediately asked if he could make one….so I knew this kids project was a keeper. Best of all it takes two minutes to pull together and about 5 minutes to execute, excluding drying time, perfect for short attention spans and moms with newborns! Oh and did I say it uses recycled materials? An eco-friendly kids craft as well…score!

This post contains affiliate links to products.

DIY Suncatcher: Cosmic Suncatchers

  • White Glue   and lots of it!
  • Food Coloring or Liquid Watercolors
  • Plastic lids (Lids from tubs of yogurt, hummus, sour cream etc. work best, although metal lids also work)

Instructions

  • Step One Pour a generous amount of glue into one of your plastic lids and swish it around to cover the entire inner surface.
  • Step Two Have your child put one or two drops of each color of food coloring around the glue.
  • Step Three Give your child a toothpick to swirl the colors around in the glue. Stop swirling before the colors get too combined or the final result will be muddy and brown. This is an exercise in restraint!
  • Step Four Let dry. As the colors settle they will continue to expand and create a dyed psychedelic effect….I love the 60s… Depending on how much glue you used, the suncatcher will take one to three days to fully dry. You will know it’s ready when the edges start to peel off the lid.
  • Step Five When fully dry, peel the suncatcher off the lid, punch a hole through the top, add a string, and hang in a sunny spot.

It’s cosmic madness!  Note: These suncatchers will morph over time. The longer they sit in a sunny window and dry the more they will change. The food coloring will eventually begin to shrink as the glue hardens

Cosmic Suncatchers remain one of the most popular projects on our blog and at in person events where we have tried them! They never cease to amaze children and adults with their swirling changing colors.

For more EASY ART IDEAS for kids hop over here:

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May 17, 2013 at 5:27 am

I love these! Pinned it! Will definitely make with the grandkids when they are a bit older. Thank you!

Time traveler says

May 6, 2016 at 7:09 pm

They are probably old enough now since it is 2016.

Georgina @ Craftulate says

May 17, 2013 at 10:27 am

Wow! Love this! Pinning and making mental note to save some plastic lids! Hopping over from Sun Scholars.

Ana Dziengel says

May 21, 2013 at 4:44 am

Thanks Georgina! I love your blog too!

adriana says

January 26, 2015 at 11:35 am

hi, thanks for the inspiration! just wondering- how did you make the colours so blurry? is that the water colours? from the food coloring it didnt work for me.

January 30, 2015 at 5:30 am

Hmmm the colors blurred when we left them alone in the glue, which helped to slowly dissipate the color. What happened with yours? Did you use white glue?

Natalie says

April 10, 2016 at 8:24 am

would a simple flour and water homemade glue work? I live in a tiny village in the south of Grand Canary Island and I don’t have easy access to a lot of supplies. I would really like to do this with my kids’ group.

May 20, 2013 at 6:51 am

Awesome Idea….thank you!

May 21, 2013 at 4:46 am

Thanks for stopping by Linda!

May 24, 2013 at 7:25 am

Looks cool enough to impress adults too

May 25, 2013 at 4:33 am

Thanks so much Divya; I was impressed 😉

Katherine Brechin says

May 25, 2013 at 8:21 pm

Excellet crafty idea to brighten up winter days stuck inside, thank you. They can also stick to glass and peel away later.

Diana Rambles says

May 27, 2013 at 3:19 pm

Congratulations! This post was featured over at Diana Rambles on Friday and has been pinned in the Featured at Diana Rambles board at Pinterest. Please grab a featured button off my sidebar or via the link under the features. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea!

Katrina says

August 9, 2013 at 12:19 pm

What kind of glue did you use that it didn’t dry clear? I kind of like the effect as it brings out the brightness of the colours!

August 11, 2013 at 6:21 am

Hi Katrina, We used simple white school glue. It dries sort of cloudy. Glad you liked the effects!

ashwini says

October 2, 2013 at 8:02 pm

I absolutely love this idea, waiting to do this with my kids

October 5, 2013 at 5:05 am

Glad you like it! Hope your kids love it as much as mine did!

October 4, 2013 at 3:05 am

Love the marbly outcome! This will be one fun group activity to enjoy with my friends 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!

October 5, 2013 at 5:06 am

Thanks Onel! I absolutely love your blog so I’m pleased to hear you liked this project!

Tlbur2 says

October 6, 2013 at 5:00 pm

Since this is glue, will it get brittle over time, esp in the sun?

October 7, 2013 at 3:43 am

Really great question! I kept ours in a sunny window for a couple of months and they got harder but not necessarily brittle. The interesting thing was that after about a month I noticed the colors shrank and had changed! A friend thought it might be that the colors were fading but since they still looked very vibrant just “different” than they did when we first made them I wondered if the food coloring and glue continued to react over time in the heat of the sun. I’d love to hear how everyone else’s turn out over time! It’s an ongoing science lesson!

Kellie says

July 26, 2014 at 5:55 pm

We made these as kids with PVA and glitter as Christmas decorations, and 20+ years later my mother still has them with all the Christmas decorations. They have yellowed a bit and lost some of the glitter but are still going strong. Not brittle more rubbery.

Must make these again with my 2 year old.

July 31, 2014 at 5:53 am

So awesome to hear Kellie! They would make fantastic Xmas decorations!

October 7, 2013 at 1:41 pm

Now that’s a fabulous small and fast art project! My little boy loves making things with me, but he doesn’t have a particularly long attention span, so I’m always on the look out for quick and attention grabbing projects. This is perfect! Thanks Ana! One question, where do you find your big squeezy bottles of food colouring? Thanks so much again!

October 11, 2013 at 4:26 am

Hi Anna, I’m glad you liked the project! I bought our food coloring at our local grocery store. If you want mega sizes of food coloring, restaurant supply stores often carry them, like Smart and Final.

Julia eaves says

October 11, 2013 at 7:57 am

Just did this with my kids who are 2,5 & 13 and they all loved it. Can’t wait for them to dry so we can hang them!

October 12, 2013 at 4:13 am

I’m so happy to hear it Julia!

liesel says

October 12, 2013 at 5:45 pm

this is so rad!

October 14, 2013 at 5:16 am

Thanks Liesel!

Lisa Lopacinski says

October 13, 2013 at 3:19 pm

We made these but the glue curled up as it dried. Did you have that happen at all? Ours are all curled up.

October 14, 2013 at 5:18 am

Oh no! I didn’t have that happen Lisa 🙁 What type of lid and glue did you use? maybe we can figure out why…..

May 7, 2015 at 10:46 pm

Perhaps your layer of glue was too thin. I have used white glue a lot and know that the thicker a layer is, the less it will curl. Hope this helps.

May 12, 2015 at 5:50 am

Thanks for the tip 🙂

October 14, 2013 at 5:24 am

One more thought, did you use a lot of glue? You need a really thick coat of glue as your base. LMK!

November 7, 2013 at 2:45 am

We did this and they look great, however, the food colouring hasn’t dried (although the glue has). Any ideas why? I was thinking we may have to paint a coat of varnish over them to seal in the colours….I am now testing out a couple with glitter sprinkled in them to hang on the tree for Christmas!

November 7, 2013 at 5:31 am

Hi Susan, Interesting……I did notice that after about 6 weeks of hanging in a sunny window the food coloring contracted. There must be something in the chemistry of glue/food coloring combo…..but I’m not a chemist so I’m not sure what is going on 😉 How long have yours been drying? Mine took at least a few days to full dry.

Veens @ Our Ordinary Life says

January 6, 2014 at 8:27 am

I LOVE this idea, going to be trying this very soon 🙂

January 6, 2014 at 11:07 am

These are beautiful and look like a lot of fun to make too! I’ve featured your idea on The Crafty Crow today!

January 7, 2014 at 4:54 am

Thank you so much Cassi!!!!! I really appreciate the share!

January 8, 2014 at 10:54 am

Did this with the kids today. Taking a bit long to dry, but they loved it! Hopefully the finished product is just as awesome as yours. Thanks!

January 10, 2014 at 7:30 am

Post a pic on our FB page ! I’d love to see how they turned out!

Brianna says

January 30, 2014 at 1:38 pm

This sounds awesome! I’m looking to do this with an art therapy group. Could this work with clear glue as well?

February 1, 2014 at 5:26 am

Hi Brianna, I haven’t tried it with clear glue so I’m not sure. The white glue works well as a foil for color though and dries clear 🙂 Hope they love it! Ana

March 3, 2014 at 10:11 am

Does it matter if the lids have designs on them? How did you get yours all white? All of the ones I am collecting have designs on them (yogurt, margarine etc). Thanks!

March 5, 2014 at 3:43 am

Hi Laura, Since the last step of the project is peeling the dried glue off the lid you can definitely use lids with designs on them. Just make sure they are flexible 🙂 I used lids from tubs of hummus, so they were all translucent. Coffee can lids also work well. Ana

Julie S says

May 4, 2014 at 10:49 am

LOVE this idea! Thank you so much for this. We live outside Phoenix, AZ, and it’s already heating up here. Any projects we can do indoors are much appreciated. It’s going on our list for this month!

May 7, 2014 at 6:31 am

Yay! Glad you liked it!

Deborah Waxman says

May 5, 2014 at 6:40 pm

This reminds me of something similar that I have had kids do with a plastic plate, watercolor markers and the glue. They color on the plate, pour glue over it and let it dry. The glue absorbs the marker lines and blend them together. Different procedure but same result!

May 7, 2014 at 6:30 am

Hi Deborah, Oooooo that sound VERY fun! We will have to try that one. Thanks for the suggestion 🙂 Ana

margot says

May 6, 2014 at 7:51 am

can you use clear glue?? to make them transparent??

May 7, 2014 at 6:29 am

Hi Margot, Clear glue doesn’t work well because the milky look of white glue is what makes for the fun color effects. The white glue dries translucent though so light can filter through 🙂 Ana

Shelley says

May 8, 2014 at 7:31 am

I did this with my daycare kids. Obviously didn’t use enough glue as once dry, the suncatchers didn’t peel off the lids. They just stuck to the lids. These were supposed to be Mother’s Day gifts. I’ll try again and use more glue next time. Disappointing as the kids were really excited to see the finished product.

May 13, 2014 at 5:14 am

Hi Shelley, I’m sorry to hear they didn’t peel off! You do need a fair amount of glue for them to peel off. Still if you don’t want to use that much glue you can make them on clear translucent lids and skip peeling them off. Ana

Jesica H says

May 8, 2014 at 9:40 am

If you were to do this would the glue ‘melt’ on a hot day. Would it work well to hang outside or would the rain/sun possibly ruin these?

May 13, 2014 at 5:12 am

I had them hanging in a sunny window for about 6 weeks. They never melted but the sun does continue to change and fade the suncatchers a little bit over time.

Karen Brown says

May 11, 2014 at 7:29 am

Just wondering approximately how long do they take to dry?

May 13, 2014 at 5:10 am

Hi Karen, They take a couple of days to fully dry 🙂

June 18, 2014 at 4:56 pm

We tried this at preschool for father’s day gifts. My trial run through took four days to dry. However, I’m really glad I had the children start early on the gifts since we had a very humid week and it took a full eight days for them to dry (and I peeled them off, rather than waiting for them to curl up from the lid)

June 25, 2014 at 4:08 am

Hi Eliza, Wow 8 days is a lot but I’m glad they worked!!!! Ana

Beppie says

June 10, 2014 at 6:47 am

Hi, i like to know why you use food color instead of ink?? Is is just because it is saver for young kids??

Kind regards, Beppie

June 12, 2014 at 4:03 am

Hi Beppie, I like food coloring because it is so easy to find 🙂 Almost any grocery store carries it and it’s inexpensive. Inks and liquid watercolors (my favorite) do need to be purchased online or at art supply stores.

June 16, 2014 at 9:59 am

Love this idea! Can this be done on a plastic plate? I want to do this with my daughter’s class and I am not sure we will be able to get 24 lids. Thank you!

June 25, 2014 at 4:11 am

Hi Tracy, I’m not sure if it can be done on a plastic plate but do let me know if that works! If not can you ask parents to donate a lid or two each?

Pat Russ says

July 3, 2014 at 10:18 am

Hi Ana–I read from beginning to end includiny every comment. I am almost 70, and I thought this might be fun for older people too. Will try and let you know!!

July 8, 2014 at 7:28 am

Hi Pat, Thank you! Agreed adults can have a blast with this one too! Thanks for your kind words 🙂

Lauren says

July 9, 2014 at 8:02 pm

I don’t know if someone mentioned this already, but I used to do something similar as a kid with markers. You just color all over something smooth (like these lids… or the inside of a metal desk… I don’t think my teacher was too pleased with that, lol) with washable markers and then cover it with glue, wait for it to dry, and peel it off. You end up with the same effect.

July 11, 2014 at 5:24 am

Hi Lauren, You are the first to mention this technique so THANK YOU! We’ll try it out this weekend, on the lids, though, not a desk ;)!

cookiemonster says

July 11, 2014 at 4:19 am

I did the experiment and it was COOL AND AMAZING!! Thanks for the cool ideas!!

July 11, 2014 at 5:22 am

Yay!!!!! So happy to hear it!

July 27, 2014 at 11:24 am

I’m looking to do this as a Welcome Week project for college students. Is there any way to make it dry faster by chance?

Hi Leksi, I don’t know of a way to speed up the drying process other than leaving them in a sunny spot. Warm weather should probably help!

Katie Chiavarone says

August 23, 2014 at 5:50 pm

This is amazing! I think we will make some fall colored ones with clear glitter glue! My 3 year old will absolutely love this!!

September 4, 2014 at 3:51 am

Oooooo that sounds cool Katie!

Kellie Hock says

March 22, 2015 at 8:52 pm

I teach at an international school in Bangkok and sometimes have difficulty getting some art supplies. I tried tempera paint and it was awful and bled instead of flowing. This will be so fun and I can get these supplies without challenge. Thank you.

March 25, 2015 at 5:56 am

Yes tempera is too thick. Can you get food coloring?

Kathy durham says

May 6, 2015 at 2:54 pm

On the food coloring sun catchers do you use the inside of the lid or the top love these crafts looking forward to making them with my grandchildren thanks a lot have a great day

May 7, 2015 at 10:48 am

Love the idea my grandchildren did one with the gems now with the food coloring do u use the inside of the lid or outside didn’t get a good look at the design please let me know and thanks for letting us use your designs Kathy durham

Use the inside so it contains the glue 🙂

May 7, 2015 at 10:47 pm

This gave me a great idea- I am going to try a layer of glue in a plastic yogurt top, then decoupage a pretty piece of paper into it and add another layer of glue and see if that will work. I have made many suncatchers that are decoupaged so it should surely work. Thanks so much for the idea!

Cool idea! Post pic to our FB page with the finished suncatcher! I’d love to see it 🙂

May 12, 2015 at 7:48 pm

I have 2 Questions. 1st. Is Elmer’s glue good to use, or does it have to be a certain kind of white glue? 2nd. Perhaps the drying time affects the chemicals in a way that causes the food coloring to contract. Would using a hair dryer work more easily, to seal in the colors, with the glue, or would that ruin the effect? I’m thinking of possibly trying tub and tile caulking with the food coloring as well, just to see if it works better and last longer.

June 5, 2015 at 6:09 am

Let me know if it works out! You can use any white glue and I have no idea what a hair dryer would do.

June 28, 2015 at 2:42 pm

I saw an earlier post about putting on glass. Will it last if done so?

July 18, 2015 at 6:07 am

Hmmmm not sure…did you try it?

lisa t says

August 2, 2015 at 1:06 pm

When do you do the hole punch? After it has dried obviously I guess…

August 14, 2015 at 7:43 am

Yup, after 🙂

August 9, 2015 at 4:41 pm

We tried these, let them dry for 4ish days before taking them out of molds…however, after doing so, they folded up like tacos after being hung up. Did yours stay flat?

August 14, 2015 at 7:42 am

Hi April, They do need a lot of drying time. Yours may have been removed a little too soon. If they still have some flex in them, try putting them under a heavy book for a few days and see if they flatten back out.

Mummy Q says

September 7, 2015 at 9:15 am

Just made these with the kids. Can’t wait to see how they look when they’ve dried. Excellent activity for a range of ages.

September 12, 2015 at 7:15 am

Thanks. I love your idea of suncatchers! They are beautiful. I want to try it out. Hope it’s as easy as it sounds

Shirley says

September 18, 2015 at 1:03 pm

I tried this with my granddaughter, but the colors just all blobbed together , so I washed the lids off and want to try again. I put a rather thick layer of glue on, enough that it would roll as I tried to cover the entire lid. About how many drops of food coloring did you use? I want to use them as a craft for our girls club at church with the teaching that we can all let God’s light shine thru us, regardless of what we look like:)! Help please.

September 26, 2015 at 12:18 pm

These are wonderful! Thank you for sharing this! They will look lovely in our daughter play room! Once I have tried them I will link you a photo of how they turned out!

November 9, 2015 at 9:22 am

Did you make them? I’d love to see how they turned out!

Gabriela says

October 28, 2015 at 2:01 pm

If you want to add more science to this experiment, instead of using toothpicks you just add a drop of dish soap, try and see! An amazing thing happens, the detergent moves the molecules of the glue which have polar heads and non-polar tails and they carry the color around making beautiful patterns, in addition after some time they end up just like the suncatchers in your pictures, but the wow factor while kids drop the detergent is something worth it!

November 9, 2015 at 9:10 am

OH I will have to try this!!!!!! Thanks for the tip!!!!

Ericka Burrill says

December 9, 2015 at 7:54 am

I tried to do your project but most of the glue (disappear)

I only eneded with a little bit in the center of the plate – can you tell me what was wrong?

April 10, 2016 at 8:27 am

This may be a repeat. Would homemade flour and water paste work for these lovely sun-catchers? I live in a small village in the south of Grand Canary Island and don’t have easy access to a lot of supplies. I would love to make these with my kids’ group.

August 16, 2016 at 4:33 am

I’m late to this comment but am curious of you tried the flour and water paste. Did it work?

May 20, 2016 at 2:15 am

Will pva glue do the trick please?

May 20, 2016 at 6:55 am

White glue is PVA glue so yes 🙂

May 31, 2016 at 1:01 pm

I loved this. ??? Going to do it with my grandchildren.

August 15, 2016 at 8:33 am

I’m so happy to hear this!!!

Sharon says

June 15, 2016 at 4:49 am

This was great. I didn’t make it through all the comments so sorry if I’m repeating here, but one thing is I used small plastic (paper) plates, and they worked great, and also mine stuck to the window! the one I made from a lid dried faster, and doesn’t stick, but we’ll see how long these last hanging up, then will use string! thanks for the great project! (would post a pic but don’t see how…)

June 19, 2016 at 6:38 am

Great idea to use plastic plates!!!

Elizabeth says

August 10, 2016 at 8:44 am

I love doing craft projects I try to find some where I can work with my grandchildren

August 15, 2016 at 8:03 am

Thank you for reading Elizabeth!

Valerie says

October 9, 2016 at 5:17 pm

I helped the kindergarten class make these to hand out to their Senior Citizen day coming up here. They dried for 5 days, peeled away fine. I trimmed the edges, and now they are curling up 🙁 Any suggestions? Thank you.

October 31, 2016 at 12:39 pm

Hi Valerie, They will curl a bit. Maybe if you do it again in the future you can lay the dried ones between sheets of wax paper and a stack of books for a day or two to make sure the edges dry flat?

October 26, 2016 at 4:43 am

Love this idea. I work with groups of 60 – 150 children ( local museum – school and family crafts) so sourcing enough lids could be a problem. Do you think this would work with dishes the children shape themselves from baking foil? And would poster paint work (as I have a cupboard full)?

October 31, 2016 at 12:30 pm

Hi Liz, Foil “plates” might work. You could also probably go to a discount restaurant supply store and purchase some plastic lids. I know the Smart and Final near us sells them and they are pretty inexpensive. You’d have to experiment with the poster paint though. I haven’t tried it so I can’t be sure, but so let me know if you try it and it works!

Maria Alejandra Cubillos Espinoza says

October 30, 2016 at 5:52 pm

Me encantó este tipo de arte para niños,mis hijos son asperger y me cuesta mantenerlos con algo de atención y el arte es algo que les encanta.

October 31, 2016 at 12:26 pm

Muchas gracias!!!

Brandi says

November 28, 2016 at 9:17 am

This is great! I was wondering if you can use a jar lid and ring while making and then it peel off when dry?

December 9, 2016 at 5:38 am

I haven’t tried that but it’s a great idea!

Robin Cope says

January 5, 2017 at 12:08 am

Hi Ana, I’m not even sure how I found the babble dabble do website, but I sure am glad I did! I noticed that your original post was over 3 yrs. ago. I read every response and I wanted to Thank you for a couple of things. One, you have commented back to practically everyone. So nice to see such kindness! And after reading all these comments it struck me that parents, grandparents, and all kinds of teachers are still making efforts to come together as “Families” Warms the heart. I have a 4yr. old grandson myself. I went straight to Amazon and ordered the watercolor paint. So Monday we will be making our own Cosmic Suncatchers! So again Thank You Ana, you are appreciated!

January 9, 2017 at 5:58 am

Hi Robin, Woot woot! I still bust this project out every once in awhile and it never fails to delight! Thank you for your kind words 🙂

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Glitter Glue

Creating sea glass with elmer’s glue: a diy tutorial.

Photo of author

By Scott Graham

Have you ever strolled along a beach and wondered how sea glass gets its uniquely smooth and frosted appearance? If you’re someone who loves combining creativity and DIY projects, making sea glass is a perfect activity for you. With just a few supplies, including Elmer’s glue, you can easily make your own sea glass at home! In this guide, we provide a step-by-step process to making sea glass with Elmer’s glue that will have you producing beautiful pieces in no time. Get ready to dive into a fun and rewarding crafting experience.

Ingredients and Materials

Ingredients And Materials

  • Glass pieces
  • Elmer’s glue
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Bowl for mixing
  • Measuring spoons
  • Paper towels

To make realistic-looking sea glass with Elmer’s glue, you only need a few simple materials that you probably already have at home. The most important, of course, are the glass pieces that you will transform into sea glass. You can use any clear glass pieces such as bottles, jars, or even old windows. Broken or chipped pieces are also perfect to create a more natural look.

Next, you will need Elmer’s glue. Any type of Elmer’s glue will work, but the clear variety is recommended since it will not affect the color of your sea glass. Of course, feel free to experiment with different types of glue. If you happen to have UHU glue or wood glue, you might want to check our articles on how to make slime with UHU glue or how to make slime with wood glue .

You may want to add some food coloring to your glue mixture. This will add a splash of color to your sea glass and contribute to the overall realistic look. Check out our article on how to color glue for tips on how to create the perfect hue for your sea glass.

Other materials you will need include a paintbrush to apply the glue, a bowl for mixing, water to thin the glue mixture if necessary, measuring spoons to measure out the ingredients, and paper towels to dry and remove the sea glass from the work surface.

Ingredients

When it comes to making sea glass with Elmer’s glue, the ingredients required to make the glue solution are simple and readily available. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this project a success:

  • 1 bottle of Elmer’s glue (clear or white)
  • A few drops of food coloring or acrylic paint
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap
  • 1/2 cup of water

The Elmer’s glue will be the base of the glue solution, while the food coloring or acrylic paint will provide the color to create your desired hue of sea glass. The dish soap is a surfactant that will lower the surface tension of the glue solution, which will allow it to spread evenly on the glass. Meanwhile, water will be used to dilute the glue and make it easier to apply.

It’s important to note that, while it’s possible to make sea glass with other types of glue or adhesive, Elmer’s glue is the most effective option for this particular project. If you’re interested in making other types of DIY crafts with glue, such as glitter tattoos or slime, check out these other tutorials for how to make slime with Tide and glue , how to make slime with glue stick and Tide , how to make glitter tattoo glue , or how to make slime with glitter glue without borax .

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step-By-Step Procedure

As a side note, if you’re interested in making slime, check out our article on how to make slime with glitter glue without borax .

Step 1: Preparing the Glass

Before you can start making sea glass with Elmer’s glue, you need to prepare the glass pieces that you plan to use. Here are the materials that you will need for this step:

Materials
Any type of clear glass works for this project, such as bottles, vases, or jars.
You will need gloves, protective eyewear, and a dust mask.
A glass cutter will be necessary to break the glass into desired sizes and shapes.

Once you have prepared the necessary materials, it’s important to ensure that you work safely. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts and shards, and protective eyewear to protect your eyes from flying debris. If you are cutting the glass inside, it is recommended to wear a dust mask to avoid breathing in any glass particulates.

Using a glass cutter, carefully cut the glass into desired shapes and sizes. You might want to experiment with different shapes to achieve a more natural-looking sea glass finish. After cutting, use sandpaper to smooth out sharp edges or chips on the glass.

Be sure to wash the glass pieces thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Avoid using soap, as it may interfere with the glue solution and prevent the sea glass from forming properly. After washing, let the glass pieces dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Mixing the Glue Solution

In this step, we’ll create the glue solution that will give our glass that coveted sea glass effect. Here are the materials and ingredients you’ll need:

  • Elmer’s Glue-All
  • A stirring utensil (a popsicle stick works well)

Mixing the glue solution:

1. Begin by pouring a generous amount of Elmer’s Glue-All into the bowl. Eye-balling the amount is fine, but try to use at least half a bottle for best results.

2. Add a small amount of water and stir the mixture together with the stirring utensil. Begin with a 1:1 ratio of glue to water, but you may need to adjust the ratio depending on the thickness of the mixture. The mixture should have a consistency similar to melted ice cream.

3. Keep stirring the mixture for several minutes. You want to ensure that the glue and water are fully and evenly mixed.

4. TIP: If you want to color your sea glass, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the glue solution during this step. Mix well until the color is even throughout. Blue and green colors work well for a traditional sea glass look, but feel free to experiment with other colors!

5. Once your glue solution is fully mixed, you’re ready to move onto the next step!

Step 3: Applying the Glue Solution

After preparing the glass, it’s time for the most exciting part: applying the glue solution! This step is where the magic happens and the glass begins to take on a frosted, sea glass appearance. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to apply the glue solution to achieve optimal results.

  • Apply the glue onto the glass: Take the glue and brush it onto the glass surface evenly. Make sure that the glue is not too thin or too thick. A thin coat will not produce the desired effect, while a thick coat will result in lumps and uneven surfaces. A good rule of thumb is to use a quarter-size amount of glue for every two square inches of glass.
  • Add color: After the glue is applied, this is the perfect opportunity to add dye or food coloring. The color will give the sea glass a beautiful, translucent appearance. If you choose to add color, make sure to add it before the glue starts to dry. A few drops of dye or food coloring should suffice.
  • Let the glue dry: Depending on the temperature and humidity, the glue can dry within 24-48 hours. Keep the glass in a dry and cool place to help the glue dry more effectively.
  • Repeat the process: Once the first layer has dried, repeat the previous steps of applying the glue and adding the color. The more layers you add, the thicker and more opaque the sea glass will become. The key is to apply each layer evenly and let it dry completely before applying the next layer.
  • Final touch: Once you have applied the desired number of layers, let the glue dry completely for a few days. You can add a final coat of glue to the sea glass for a glossy finish. Simply repeat the process of applying the glue and letting it dry completely.

Remember, the glue solution is what gives the glass its frosted and sea glass-like appearance, so take your time and apply the glue evenly. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques to get the desired result.

Step 4: Drying and Removing the Glass

Once you have finished applying the glue solution, you’ll need to let the glass dry. This is a crucial step to ensure the sea glass effect looks realistic and natural. Here are the steps to successfully dry and remove the glass:

  • Set aside to dry: After applying the glue solution, let your glass pieces sit or hang in a well-ventilated area for 48-72 hours. This may seem like a long time, but it’s essential to allow the glue to fully dry and cure.
  • Test the glass: Once the glass has dried, test the hardness of the glue to make sure it is fully dry. To do this, press your fingernail into the glue on the glass. If it leaves an impression, it needs more time to dry.
  • Remove the glass: Once the glue is completely dry, carefully remove the glass pieces from the surface they are on. You may need to use a scraper or paintbrush to loosen any glue that has dripped below the glass piece.
  • Trim the edges: Use a pair of scissors or craft knife to trim any rough or excess edges of the glue on the glass to achieve a smooth and polished look.

It’s important to stay patient during this step as rushing the drying process could potentially ruin all the hard work you did so far. Once the glass is dry and the excess glue has been trimmed, your sea glass pieces are finally ready to be used.

Tips and Tricks

After completing the DIY sea glass project with Elmer’s glue, there are some tips and tricks that can help enhance the results. By following these suggestions, you can ensure that your handmade sea glass pieces turn out beautifully and are the envy of all your friends. From proper drying techniques to experimenting with different colors, these tips and tricks will help you take your sea glass crafting skills to the next level and produce stunning, professional-looking results every time. So, let’s dive into the details and discover the secrets of perfect DIY sea glass!

Tips for Better Results

To achieve the best results when making sea glass with Elmer’s glue, it’s important to follow the right process and use the right materials. However, there are some additional tips you can follow to make the process even easier and more successful. Here are some tips for better results:

  • Use high-quality glass: While you want to save money where you can, opting for low-quality glass can result in less-than-ideal results. Choose high-quality glass to ensure the best outcome possible.
  • Avoid over-mixing the solution: Over-mixing the glue solution can cause it to become too thick and difficult to work with. Stir the solution only until it is well combined.
  • Allow plenty of time to dry: Waiting for the glue to dry can be the most challenging part of the process, but it’s essential to achieving the desired texture and finish. Be patient and allow plenty of time for the glue to completely dry before moving on to the next step.
  • Experiment with colors: While the classic sea glass look is achieved with clear glue, you can also experiment with adding food coloring or even paint to the glue solution to achieve different colors and finishes.
  • Keep it thin: Applying too thick of a layer of glue can result in the glass appearing cloudy or losing its clarity. Opt for thinner layers instead.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful sea glass pieces with Elmer’s glue. Remember to be patient and enjoy the process – crafting is all about having fun and bringing your unique style to each project.

Possible Variations

If you want to add some uniqueness to your sea glass project, here are some possible variations you can try:

Variation Description
You can add a few drops of food coloring to the glue solution to create colored sea glass. Experiment with different colors to achieve your desired shade.
You can also use different types of glass, such as old mason jars or wine bottles, to create a variety of sea glass shapes and sizes.
You can add sand or glitter to the glue solution for extra texture and sparkle. Just make sure to mix it well before applying to the glass.
You can experiment with different types of glue, such as clear or glitter glue, to achieve a different aesthetic with your sea glass project. Keep in mind that different glues may have different drying times and consistencies.
You can apply a second coat of glue solution once the first coat has dried for a thicker, more durable sea glass finish.

Remember to have fun and get creative with your sea glass project. The possibilities for variations are endless, and you never know what unique result you might achieve.

In conclusion, making sea glass with Elmer’s glue is a fun and easy DIY project for those who want to create beautiful and unique pieces of art. By following the step-by-step procedure outlined in this guide and using the recommended materials and ingredients, you can create breathtaking sea glass that looks just like the real thing.

However, it’s important to note that while this method is effective, it may not produce the same results as natural sea glass found on the beach. Some variations in color and texture may occur, which can add to the charm of your handmade sea glass pieces.

Remember to take your time with each step and follow the recommended drying times for best results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials or colors to create a personalized touch to your sea glass creations.

And lastly, have fun! Making sea glass with Elmer’s glue can be an enjoyable and therapeutic activity that allows you to unleash your creativity and make something beautiful. So gather your materials, set aside some time, and let your imagination run wild!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sea glass.

Sea glass is a type of glass that has been frosted and smoothed by the action of the waves and sand over time.

What type of glass can be used?

Any type of clear or colored glass can be used. However, it’s best to avoid using tempered or safety glass.

What type of Elmer’s glue is best?

Clear Elmer’s glue works best for this project, as it dries transparent.

How long does it take for the sea glass to dry?

It usually takes 24-48 hours for the glue solution to completely dry and solidify.

Can food coloring be used?

Yes, food coloring can be added to the glue solution to create colored sea glass.

Can other types of glue be used?

Other types of white glue or Mod Podge can be used as a substitute for Elmer’s glue.

How can the sea glass be cleaned after drying?

The sea glass can be gently washed with warm water to remove any excess glue residue.

What are some creative ways to use sea glass?

Sea glass can be used for jewelry making, mosaic art, or as decorative pieces in a vase or candle holder.

Can sea glass be made without using Elmer’s glue?

Yes, sea glass can be made using other methods, such as tumbling glass with sand and water in a rock tumbler.

Is this a suitable project for children?

Yes, this is a simple and fun project for children to do with adult supervision.

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A Dab of Glue Will Do

Little Learners, Big Ideas

PS PK K 1 2

Walking Water Science Activity for Kids

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We are always on the lookout for simple science activities to do with our kids. It doesn’t get any easier than this walking water science activity! Kids of all ages will be dazzled by the magic of watching colored water move along a paper towel from a full glass to fill up an empty glass.

An experiment with food coloring to show how water can travel

Getting Walking Water Ready

Setup is super simple for this activity. We began by gathering the following supplies:

  • Six jars of equal size (we used pint-sized mason jars )
  • Food coloring in primary colors (red, yellow, and blue)
  • Paper towels

We started by adding about 20 drops of blue food coloring to one jar and then filling it with 2 cups of water. Then we added 20 drops of yellow food coloring to another jar, filled it with water, and then added 20 drops of red food coloring to a third jar and filled it with water.

We arranged our jars in a circle so that there was an empty jar in between each filled jar.

Then we tore off six paper towels. The brand we used is Viva, but I have read that many other brands work just as well. If you find that your walking water science experiment isn’t working you may want to try a different brand or thickness of paper towel.

Our paper towels are the smaller “choose your size” kind. If you have the full sized paper towels you will only need to tear off three of them, and then tear each of those in half.

We folded each paper towel into length-wise quarters. This is the perfect size for each towel to reach from the bottom of one pint-sized jar to the bottom of the next jar.

Making Water Walk

We arranged each paper towel so that one end was submerged in the colored water of one full jar and one end was in an empty jar. This meant that each jar had two paper towels in it and all the jars were connected in a little circular paper towel circuit. We predicted what would happen and recorded it on the free printable below.

glue and food coloring experiment

Within 30 seconds we could see colored water creeping up the paper towels! Little by little the water moved along the paper towel until it finally started dripping into the empty jar. With two different primary colors dripping into each empty jar we quickly created the secondary colors; orange, purple, and green!

After about one hour our jars looked like this:

glue and food coloring experiment

We checked on our walking water frequently and observed how more and more water was transferred from the full jars to the empty jars. After leaving it overnight we noticed how all of the jars contained exactly the same level of water.

glue and food coloring experiment

After the experiment was completed, we completed our recording sheet. It was so much fun!

This Walking Water Experiment is a great hands-on science experiment perfect for anytime of the year. There is a free recording sheet printable included. This is perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade students.

The Science Behind Walking Water

The colored water moves up the paper towel by a process called capillary action. Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow upward, against gravity, in narrow spaces.  This is the same thing that helps water climb from a tree’s roots to its leaves at the top.

Paper towels are made from plant fibers called cellulose.  In our walking water experiment, the water flowed upward through the tiny gaps between the cellulose fibers. The attractive forces between water and cellulose fibers make this possible.

glue and food coloring experiment

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Do you want science planned for the ENTIRE CALENDAR YEAR !? This Endless Science Mega Bundle will save you so much time and keep your students engaged and excited about learning . This amazing resource contains 53 science topics  including  life science , physical science , earth science , and animal studies .

Download Your Walking Water Science Experiment Printable Below!

Can you not find a resource that you would LOVE to have for your classroom? Contact me and I would be happy to make it for you.

Click the picture below to download. 

glue and food coloring experiment

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