science experiment

Dyed Peony Science Experiment

July 2, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Peony plants have large, bold flowers that grow profusely during the blossoming season. It’s always sad to see them go so I try to snap a few pictures before they drop off.

Don’t get scared off by the ants in this picture I took! Ants eat peony nectar and help keep peonies safe by attacking bud-eating insects.

Pretty light pink peony flowers and buds. Peony blooms are showstoppers during the summer season.

_______

After taking a peony and thrifted vintage teacup photo, I realized that a saved flower in a jar of water would provide the perfect opportunity for a dyed peony science experiment. Peony flowers have a dense cluster of petals, similar to carnations, so I wondered if the experiment would turn out as well. It worked wonderfully, so I highly recommend giving it a try.

A pretty in pink peony bloom complements a thrifted vintage teacup.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

All you need is a few supplies to perform this oh-so-easy, nature science experiment. Gather the following:

peony flower stem with leaves
clear jar or vase with water
neon blue food coloring
spoon

_______

The Dyed Peony Science Experiment

To perform this simple science experiment, fill a small, clear jar at least half full of water.

Add 10 or more drops of neon blue food coloring and stir it in. I use a blue hue, but any color of food coloring would work nicely.

Try this easy-to-do dyed peony science experiment today. This activity shows how water travels up peony stems and flows through leaves and petals.

_______

Set the sprig in the colored water overnight and observe it the next day. You’ll notice that the edges of the peony flower petals have turned blue.

Check the plant once a day after that to spot more color changes.

_______

Tell your little charges that coloring the water blue helps us see how water travels up the stem of a plant into the flower leaves and petals.

Note: The leaves and stems of my peony plant are dark, so it is difficult to see water travel up them. Choosing a plant with lighter leaves would show water travel through these plant parts better.

Large, light pink peony blooms are showstoppers during the summer season.

_______

The Importance of Water For Plants

Along with light, air, and good soil, water is super important to a plant’s growth and survival:

Plants are made of mostly water, and it helps them stay firm.
Plants cool down by releasing water from their stems and leaves. This helps them regulate their temperature.
Water carries important nutrients that help plants grow.
Sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water are necessary for photosynthesis, which is how the leaves of plants create energy to survive.

_______

If you have an abundance of peonies, why not try this dyed peony science experiment with a variety of food coloring hues? Or you could perform it with carnations, which are easy to find and economical to buy.

Related:

Celery Science Experiment

_______

[Read more…]

Magic Creamer Color Experiment

February 17, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

It’s been a while back, but I promised to try the always-fun magic milk experiment with homo milk or cream. So here’s a post about a magic creamer color experiment.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Watch the colors swirl and change in this stunning magic creamer color experiment. This is a crowd-pleasing science experiment.

_______

Supplies Collected

Collected in this winter-themed version is:

snowman cake pan
half-and-half (10% milk fat) creamer
red, yellow, and blue food coloring
liquid dish soap

_______

The Magic Creamer Color Experiment

Watch the colors swirl and change in this stunning magic creamer color experiment. This easy-to-do science experiment is sure to be a topic for conversation.

_______

To perform this easy science experiment, pour a layer of half and half (10% milk fat) creamer into a cake pan or small bin. My pick for this experiment is a snowman cake pan. It is medium-sized and fits the amount of liquid I have on hand.

Note: Half and half cream is equal parts whole milk and light cream. It isn’t near as creamy as whipping cream but is creamier than the milk I’ve featured in past experiments. It is commonly used as a coffee creamer.

Next, add drops of red, yellow, and blue food coloring around the pan.

Then add drops of liquid dish soap onto some of the food coloring patches. The colors will immediately swirl around and make new color designs.

Close up, the color changes look super stunning.

A close-up view of the immerging designs created in a magic creamer color experiment. This easy science experiment is a crowd-pleaser.

_______

After the color movement slows down, check back occasionally and you will see new color patterns immerge. The color designs will keep changing for at least half an hour.

_______

At this time, try adding a few more drops of food coloring. I try to make a snowman face and buttons.

Add more dish detergent drops and watch the colors move and change again.

_______

Interpreting This Color-Changing Science Experiment

Although half-and-half (10% milk fat) creamer is made of a significant amount of water, it also contains fat and protein. These are both sensitive to changes in the liquid. When dish soap is added to the pan, it breaks up the surface tension of the half-and-half liquid and is attracted to the fat molecules. The fat molecules try to scurry away but end up bonding with the soap molecules. The movement of the food coloring makes this process visible. As more and more soap and fat molecules bond, the color movement slows down and eventually stops.

_______

Fat content in the half-and-half creamy liquid is super important in this science experiment.

The colors in the half-and-half coffee creamer experiment move at a slightly slower rate than 2% or 1 % milk, both of which I’ve tried successfully before. All three liquids show stunning color-swirling results.

_______

Related:

Color Explosion Science Experiment

_______

[Read more…]

Candy Cane Tree Experiment

December 20, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This candy cane tree experiment is easy to set up and is sure to be a conversation piece. It works well as a Christmas science activity, and also fits a forest theme.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

_______

For this simple science experiment, gather the following four supplies:

package of mini candy canes
one round striped candy
large flat white or cream-colored plate
flask of warm water

_______

The Candy Cane Tree Experiment

Design a tree on a plate with mini candy canes. Pour water into the plate and watch what happens. Your audience will be wowed!

_______

To perform this showy science experiment, start by arranging mini candy canes on a plate in a Christmas/coniferous tree design. The colorful and fruity candy canes above were a great find at a Dollar Store.

Next, set a round candy on top of the tree to be the tree topper.

Then fill a flask with warm water.

Carefully set the plate with the tree design on a table.

Now the experiment is ready to be performed. Invite participants to gather around the candy tree. Slowly pour water from the flask into the plate and invite everyone to watch what happens. It’s that simple!

Participants will be wowed at how the colors in the candy canes quickly spread through the water, making beautiful designs.

Watch the colors explode from the candy cane tree in this super simple science experiment everyone will love.

_______

Color changes will be instant. Over time the colors and their intensity will change.

Watch the colors move and change in this super simple science experiment everyone will love. The activity is a must-try.

_______

Note: This tree-shaped experiment can be done with standard-sized candy canes in a large ridged serving tray.

_______

The Science Behind The Candy Cane Tree Experiment

The candy canes are made of sugar. The water breaks the sugar molecules apart. Then the food colors move through the water from areas of higher sugar concentration (near the candy) to areas with less sugar (the center and rim of the tray.) When the sugar concentration is the same in all areas, the colors stop moving.

Water temperature is a variant in this experiment. Sugar dissolves more quickly in warm water, and food coloring moves at a faster pace.

Candy Cane Color Experiment Variations

Watch the stunning color changes in this super simple mini candy cane science experiment. Try it today!

_______

You can forgo making a tree shape with the candy canes, and spread a few around a plate instead. The color movement is just as interesting in this more basic version.

Watch beautiful colors emerge in this super simple science experiment with a serious WOW factor. Just thee supplies are needed to perform the experiment.

_______

And if you have been following my blog for a while, you may have discovered that I have done a few other candy/candy cane color experiments. Here are more variations:

Candy Cane Science Experiment

Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

_______

This mini candy cane color experiment is a must-try. Just three supplies are needed for the simple science activity everyone will love.

_______

[Read more…]

Color Magic Milk Experiment

October 8, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Have you ever done the color magic milk experiment? It is quick and easy to do, and participants are always in awe of the results. In this version, I add artistic flair by giving the experiment a leafy twist.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Just a few supplies are needed for this simple but stunning kitchen science experiment. Gather the following:

2 liters milk
red, yellow, and blue food coloring
dish detergent
large round serving tray
maple leaf frame (optional)

_______

The Color Magic Milk Experiment

Effortlessly perform this color magic milk experiment in four easy steps. A maple leaf frame enhances the kitchen science experiment.

_______

To do this experiment, start by pouring a layer of milk into a food tray. Using homo milk is recommended, but 1% and 2% will also work.

Note: Outdated milk is a great choice for this experiment.

Next, float a maple leaf frame on the milk. (My frame is a cardboard cutout purchased at a dollar store.)

Note: The leaf-themed frame adds interest to the experiment, but is not necessary for it to work.

Then drip yellow, red, and blue food coloring inside the frame.

This next step is where the magic happens… Squirt a drop of dish detergent onto each pool of colors. Watch the colors instantly race to the edge of the frame, swirling around as they go.

After the initial color burst, check back after ten minutes and you will see a variety of hues slowly starting to fill in the maple leaf shape.

Watch the color magically spread around the maple leaf frame in this kitchen science experiment.

_______

At this point, you can add a little more food coloring and a tiny bit of dish detergent for more color play.

The colors slowly fill out the maple leaf frame in this color magic milk experiment with an artistic twist.

_______

View this maple leaf color magic science experiment as a video.

_______

The Science Behind This Color Experiment

Although milk is made of mostly water, it also contains fat and protein. These are both sensitive to changes in the milk. When dish soap is added to the tray, it breaks up the surface tension of the milk and is attracted to the fat molecules. The fat molecules try to scurry away but end up bonded with the soap molecules. The movement of the food coloring makes this process visible. As more and more soap and fat molecules bond, the color movement slows down and eventually stops.

Since the fat content in milk is super important in this experiment, homo milk works the best. But 2% and 1% milk (which I often have handy) also show stunning results.

_______

[Read more…]

Glow Art Words Of Affirmation

September 20, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This black light "Words Of Affirmation" Glow Art activity is a must-try. It is a science, art, and language self-esteem-building project.

_______

Words are powerful, and they can be super uplifting to early learners. At the beginning of the school year, supportive, self-esteem-building words help students get off to a good start. A creative and oh-so-easy way to introduce them is by inviting little learners to use highlighters to color around positive ones printed in heart shapes. Afterward, the fancied-up words can be viewed and discussed in a “Glow Art Words Of Affirmation” language and science activity.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

For this confidence-boosting glow art activity, gather the following supplies:

chisel-tipped highlighters in a variety of colors
white cardstock paper
black felt marker
scissors
tape
portable black light fluorescent tube and holder
small coffee table

_______

Glow Word Art

First, draw heart shapes on white cardstock paper with a black felt marker, and add a word of affirmation to each one. Or design the project digitally. The words chosen for my art project are:

creative
friendly
kind
brave
helpful
teachable
awesome
unique
cherished

Steps to perform a black light "words of affirmation" glow art activity. The art project is perfect for the beginning of the year, the end of the year, or anytime in between.

_______

Next, invite little learners to decorate a word heart with highlighter markers, and then cut their hearts out. Leaving some parts of the designs uncolored is fine, as white will glow too.

Note: Highlighter ink is a tiny bit toxic, but using it is not considered a health risk. If your little charges are prone to sticking things in their mouths and/or coloring on themselves, it is advisable to choose another art medium for this activity.

When decorated, tape the embellished hearts to a wall in a room that can be made totally dark.

Afterward, place a fluorescent tube black light on a small table next to the art wall, and turn it on.

Then invite everyone to the room to view the art with all lights on. Discuss how the words apply to your little learners.

This "positive words" glow art activity incorporates language and science. It is a confidence-boosting art project perfect for any time of the year.

_______

Lastly, make the room dark and leave just the black light on. Students will be wowed by the glowing, worded hearts.

_______

Safety Tip: Tell children that they should only be near a black light for a short period of time. Prolonged exposure may lead to eye and skin damage.

_______

Discussing The Glow Art Words Of Affirmation

Here are some ideas for discussing decorated word hearts with the children:

Assure early learners that they are brave in coming to school and meeting new friends.
Affirm the specialness of each child by saying they are “unique, awesome, and cherished.”
Compliment students for being creative and teachable.
Highlight that being “friendly, helpful, and kind” are ways to work as a team and get along with each other.

_______

The Science Behind Black Light

Black lights are designed to block out visible light and emit invisible, ultraviolet (UV-A) light. They illuminate natural and man-made materials that contain phosphors. Phosphors convert the energy in UV radiation to visible light by re-emitting it at a different wavelength, one that our eyes can see.

The dyes from highlighter pens contain phosphors. When highlighter art is positioned in a dark room near a black light, it glows.

This black light character trait art activity incorporates language and science. It is a confidence-boosting art project perfect for any time of the year.

_______

Glowing Names

Instead of focussing on words of affirmation, invite your little learners to color around their names with highlighters. This is also a terrific beginning of the year activity. And it works well at the end of the school term to remind children that they have been valued members of the class.

_______

Related: Scented Moon Playdough

_______

[Read more…]

Felt Marker Color Exploration

May 1, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

So – many – beautiful – hues! That‘s what your little learners will create while engaging in this felt marker color exploration invitation. The activity is easy and economical to set up and the science experiment is as interesting to children as any other project out there.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies to Collect

Gather the following supplies. Most can be found in the kitchen, so you probably already have them!

plastic tablecloth
water-based felt markers
office paper
craft foam
paper towels
clear plastic or white styrofoam egg cartons
compartment trays
scissors
jug of water

_______

Create beautiful hues with this felt marker color exploration invitation. The activity is easy and economical to set up!

_______

The Felt Marker Color Exploration Set Up

First, cover a table with a plastic tablecloth.

Next cut paper, paper towels, and craft foam into 2-inch x 3-inch strips.

For each participant, fill sections of an egg carton with water. Or add water to empty tempera block trays.

Then set up stations with strips of paper and foam, and a water-filled egg carton or compartment tray.

Add a set of water-based felt markers to each spot.

_______

Exploring Color With Felt Pens And Markers

An easy and economical felt marker color exploration activity your children will love to do!

_______

Invite participants to decorate foam and paper strips with felt markers, and then dip the strips into egg carton sections. The water will turn a variety of colors, resulting in exquisite transient art. Such a fun science experiment with an artistic flair!

The colored water in the clear egg cartons below is the work of several students. I was so impressed with the many colors they created. The plastic egg cartons are set on a light table so the hues display clearly. Aren’t they gorgeous?

So many beautiful hues can be created with this felt marker color exploration activity.

_______

Related:

_______

[Read more…]

Floating Egg Science Experiment

March 25, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

In a whole range of egg colors with expressive faces drawn on, this floating egg science experiment includes a dose of art and drama. The experiment is simple to do and promises to be a huge hit with your little learners.

_______

Supplies To Collect

The supplies for this dramatic science experiment are easy to procure, as you probably already have them in your home. Gather the following:

eggs
salt
pitcher of water
egg carton
two 500 ml glass jars
tablespoons
egg dipper
store-bought egg dying kit
black permanent felt pen

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Performing The Floating Egg Science Experiment

Steps to perform a simple floating egg science experiment with easy-to-gather supplies. Drawing and egg coloring are included in this activity.

_______

With a permanent felt pen, carefully draw chick feet and a worried face on one side of the eggs selected for the experiment. Draw feet and a happy face on the other side of each egg.

Note: Crayons can be used instead to decorate the eggs.

Then dye the eggs in different colors. I use color tablets from a store-bought kit for the eggs, but you could use a home recipe.

Carefully drop the color-dyed eggs back in the egg carton, using an egg dipper if available. Let the eggs dry.

Pour 1½ cups water into two jars.

Add 3 tablespoons salt to one jar, and stir it into the liquid. Add no salt to the other.

Pick a decorated egg to gently drop into the unsalted jar of water. Observe if it floats or sinks. Then scoop the egg out of the liquid and have participants pick the feeling the “chick egg” might be experiencing: (worried, scared.)

Simple and fun floating egg science experiment with easy-to-gather supplies. Egg decorating adds an artistic element to this activity.

_______

Carefully drop the same egg into the saltwater jar. Observe if the egg now floats or sinks again. Have participants pick the feeling the “chick egg” is probably experiencing: (relief, happiness.)

_______

Try this science experiment with other colored eggs. Participants may enjoy picking an egg in their favorite color to drop in the jars.

_______

Related: Reptile Egg Science Experiment

_______

The Science Behind This Experiment

An egg is denser than water, so it sinks. But when salt is added to water, it increases the density of the liquid. When enough salt is added, a raw egg will float.

_______

Floating Egg Experiment Extensions

This floating egg experiment could be extended by:

using large and small-sized eggs, and recording how much salt needs to be added to a jar for each one to float.
dying the eggs in different methods.
reading a picture book about feelings before or after performing the experiment.

_______

[Read more…]

Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

March 5, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Try this stunning, easy-to-perform shamrock dissolving candy science experiment today! It brings a WOW factor.

_______

Lately, I cannot get enough of candy color science. So, in addition to previous endeavors, I tried a shamrock dissolving candy experiment. It’s got all the WOW factor similar experiments offer.

Since it is difficult to find a clear or white shamrock-shaped plate or pan, a shamrock outline taken from a St. Patrick’s Day wall decoration helps create the aesthetic appeal. And it does the job beautifully!

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Supplies for a science experiment couldn’t be any easier to gather. Just four items are needed:

shamrock outline
striped green and white candies
round, square, or rectangular leak-proof tray
measuring cup

Steps to perform a shamrock dissolving candy science experiment that delivers a WOW factor.

_______

Performing The Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

First, set the shamrock outline in the center of a tray that is a little larger than the clover shape.

Next, position the striped candies next to each other around the inside of the shamrock.

Then, fill a 500 ml measuring cup with warm water.

Slowly pour the warm water into the tray, aiming for the area near the rim. Cover just the bottom of the tray with liquid.

Watch what happens!

This stunning, easy-to-perform shamrock dissolving candy science experiment delivers a WOW factor.

_______

After the color has spread from the candies into different patterns, a leprechaun could be floated in the center of the shamrock outline for added visual appeal.

The leprechaun is the finishing touch to this stunning, easy-to-perform shamrock dissolving candy science experiment.

_______

Participants may wish to taste the colored water. It will likely have a noticeable mint flavor. The candies will slowly dissolve, but a few could be scooped up for tasting as well.

Note: The shamrock outline can be washed and dried afterward, and used as a tracer.

_______

The Science Behind This Candy Science Experiment

The candies are made of sugar. The water breaks the sugar molecules apart. Then the food colors move through the water from areas of higher sugar concentration (near the candy) to areas with less sugar (the center and rim of the tray.) When the sugar concentration is the same in all areas, the colors stop moving.

Water temperature is a variant in this experiment. Sugar dissolves quicker in warm water, and food coloring moves at a faster pace.

This science experiment is so easy to set up and has immediate results, perfect for little learners. And participants get to use their senses of sight, smell, taste, and touch. Try it today!

_______

Heart-Shaped Dissolving Candy Science

_______

[Read more…]

Heart-Shaped Dissolving Candy Science

February 20, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Valentine’s Day has passed, but it is Heart Month in Canada and the United States. So I am squeezing in this heart-shaped dissolving candy science experiment before I put all the valentine items away for the season. It’s an easy and fun experiment for all ages, so be sure to give it a try.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

There are just four items to gather for this fascinating color experiment that I cannot get enough of:

round, square, or rectangular tray (white or clear)
striped red and white candies
plastic or wooden heart outline
measuring cup with a spout

_______

The Heart-Shaped Dissolving Candy Science Experiment

Easy steps to perform a heart-shaped dissolving candy science experiment.

_______

First, pick a large heart outline. A wooden or plastic heart would work, or you could cut one from a generous piece of red craft foam. I used one that was previously part of a heart-themed wall hanging.

Place the outline in a white or clear tray that is slightly bigger than the heart.

Next, lay candies around the inside of the heart outline. Featured here are Starlight Mints purchased at a Dollar Store. They have flat sides, so seem destined for this experiment!

Then fill a 500 ml cup with a spout with warm water. Or use a large cup or water bottle.

Slowly pour the water into the bin. Add just enough liquid so the bottom is covered.

Watch what happens! And have your camera ready to snap some stunning pictures.

An easy to perform heart-shaped dissolving candy science experiment. A simple experiment with amazing results.

_______

Try this heart-shaped dissolving candy science experiment today! It is simple and brings the WOW factor.

_______

For the science behind this experiment, visit my blogpost Candy Cane Science Experiment.

_______

Side Note: I wasn’t sure what to call the heart shape I feature in this science experiment. One of the search words for suggestions I used was heart rims. Who knew that you could get heart-patterned rims for car tires!

If you give this heart-shaped dissolving candy science experiment a try, tag me on Instagram and I will share your post in my stories.

_______

[Read more…]

Strawberry Hot Chocolate Bin

February 19, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A dreamy, taste-safe strawberry hot chocolate sensory bin to let your little learners explore. This activity is perfect for a party day or any day!

_______

This taste safe strawberry hot chocolate bin is sure to excite your little learner. It incorporates marshmallows, lollipops, and pouring with a miniature tea set, all mega-hits with young children.

For this activity I originally planned to try a classic hot chocolate sensory bin, using chocolate-flavored candies or lollipops. But I didn’t have any luck finding hard chocolate candy. So, a dreamy strawberry hot chocolate-themed bin it is.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this taste safe sensory bin:

red and pink heart-shaped lollipops
mini marshmallows
miniature toy tea set
small white tub
cool water

_______

Introducing The Strawberry Hot Chocolate Bin

First, thoroughly sanitize the tub and toy tea set.

Note: If more than one child is participating in this activity, give them their own bin.

Then set the tea set in the bin, and add an inch of cool water. Invite your little learner to play with the cups and saucers and pot in the bin.

A dreamy, taste-safe strawberry hot chocolate sensory tub to let your little learners explore.

_______

Next, drop in two lollipops. Suggest that a little tasting is allowed, but that the lollipops should go back in the bin afterward. Draw attention to the gradual color change in the water: the liquid slowly changes to light pink. And observe that the lollipops shrink over time.

A lollipop and tea set sensory bin your little learner will love to explore. This sensory bin is toatally taste-safe.

_______

Then sprinkle a few mini marshmallows into the bin. Encourage your little learner to include the marshmallows in pouring activities.

Tip: Staggering the addition of marshmallows and lollipops extends the time the children will spend in the sensory activity.

This sensory bin is totally taste safe, and part of the experience is to be able to taste the lollipops, marshmallows, and flavored water. The colored water will likely have a light, fruity taste.

Make sure hands are washed very carefully after playing in the bin, as they will be a little sticky.

________

Benefits Of This Sensory Bin

There are many benefits of this tasty sensory bin:

exercising eye-hand coordination in pouring “hot chocolate” and sipping from tiny cups.
experiencing a color change science experiment when lollipops are added to the bin.
encouraging language development by describing the look and feel of the bin and the taste of the lollipops, marshmallows and water.
discussing that sweet treats should be eaten in moderation.
experiencing joy by participating in an unexpected, new, super fun sensory activity.

This strawberry hot chocolate bin is perfect for a party day such as Valentine’s Day. It would also work wonderfully for a Mother’s Day celebration.

_______

Strawberry Hot Chocolate Recipes

If you would like to try or serve authentic strawberry hot chocolate, here’s a couple of blogs with delicious recipe posts:

Sprinkle Bakes features an instant strawberry hot cocoa mix.

My Heavenly Recipes showcases a strawberry hot chocolate recipe.

_______

Related: Candy Cane Science Experiment

_______

[Read more…]