A rainbow of your own? Let’s do it! Check out this easy scientific activity that is suitable for preschoolers ages 3-5! Only paper towels, water, and washable markers are needed. This simple activity will delight prek kids as they watch their rainbow “grow”! You will love seeing the rainbow come together in this simple science experiment. You can even do different patterns and colors too.
This enrichment activity provides a fun example of chromatography. Chromatography is based on the principle where molecules in a mixture are applied onto the surface or into the solid, and the fluid stationary phase (stable phase) is separating from each other while moving with the aid of a mobile phase. If you’ve ever moistened a piece of paper with ink, you’ve probably noticed streaks of ink moving across the page.
The marker dye climbs the paper towel due to capillary action. The washable color molecules are lifted by the water as it passes through the paper towel and goes upward. The washable markers dissolve in water because they are water-based.
Establish a variety of scenarios and hypotheses if you’d like for this activity for prek kids. For instance, if you performed this experiment without any color, the water would still rise higher and move toward the towel’s center.
Grow A Rainbow In A Cup PreK Activity
Supplies needed:
- Water
- Paper towel
- Washable, non-toxic markers
- 2 small glasses
Instructions:
Step 1: Set up the experiment
Fold over a piece of paper towel (so you have 2 pieces on top of each other). Make the length to be 7.5 inches (any longer and the rainbow may not connect fully).
Step 2: Time to draw
Draw rectangles of the rainbow colors on each end. Make sure to fill these colors in well so there is enough dye to travel across the paper towel.
Step 3: Fill it up
Place two cups of water that are 3/4 full. Leave some room from the top of the cup because you just want to insert the bottom of the paper towel. Then place the paper towel into the cups, with one end in each cup.
Step 4: Watch it move
The washable marker dye will slowly make its way up with the water to meet the other side in the center of the paper towel. After 10 to 15 minutes, the paper towel will gradually unite the colors.
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