Today we thought that we’d add a little colour to our day….
Materials: YouTube, 6 small jars (or clear containers, or glass cups), paper towel, food colouring (red, blue and yellow) and water.
Main Learning Outcomes: Understanding science concepts and early literacy.
(1) First using this link (unless you own the book) get together with your child for a read aloud of Eric Carle’s book " The Mixed-Up Chameleon". Here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02i3akeNLnc
(2) Now we are going to try a little science experiment! Fill 3 of the jars about ¾ full of water. Then add a few drops of food colouring to each of them (one yellow, one red and the other blue). Place the jars in a circle touching each other, with each coloured jar separated by an empty jar. Then fold up 6 paper towels into long strips (about an inch or 2 wide). Place one end of the paper towel into a jar with water, and the other end into the empty jar next to it. Do this with 6 pieces of paper towel until all 6 jars are link together with the paper towel. Now watch what happens!
Tips: This is an activity for all ages, however, you may want to assist the younger ones with the food colouring. To make pouring water easier for the toddlers and preschoolers, you can put water into a small jug for them to pour into the jars. With preschoolers and older children, predict what will happen to the water before adding the paper towels. Discuss your findings!