purposeful play
Climbing Rainbow Science Experiment
STEAM activity for kids
The Climbing Rainbow Science Experiment is so much fun! This colorful, rainbow themed STEAM activity is a simple, hands-on way for kids and preschoolers to explore science.
The Climbing Rainbow Experiment explores concepts such as cause and effect, the scientific process, and capillary action!
From start to finish you can expect this experiment to take about 30-40 minutes.
It takes about 20-30 minutes for the rainbow to climb up each side of the paper towel.
Continue reading for the full instructions and to see the list of materials needed to complete this magical science project that will keep your kids engaged and learning!
Before you begin be sure to download the free printables that go along with this activity.
materials
String, Ribbon or Tape
Paper clip
Pencil
Water
Scissors
Tray, dish or pan that can hold water
purpose
Explores scientific concepts
Experiments with cause and effect
Introduces new vocabulary words
Hands on learning
Teaches concept of capillary action
Introduces the Scientific Method
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directions
Climbing Rainbow Experiment
Trace a rainbow on a half sheet paper towel
Note: Use the use most absorbent paper towels you can find (I used Bounty-and it worked great!)
Cut the rainbow shape out
Using water based markers-add the colors of the rainbow to the bottom of each side of the paper towel
Be sure to color about 1/2 inch above the bottom of the paper towel
Use water-based markers
Leave about a 1/2 inch of white space on the bottom of each side of the paper towel
Flip the paper towel over and color the rainbow on the other side as well
Connect a string to a paperclip
Clip the paperclip to the middle of the rainbow
Hang or tape the string so just the bottom of the paper towel rainbow touches the bottom of the tray or pan
Add water to the dish to a depth of about 1/2 inch
Observe what happens
Ask you child questions about what they see
Explain to your child how the colors are “climbing” up the rainbow” (See explanation below)
This science experiment takes about 30 minutes for the rainbow to climb up both sides and meet in the middle.
Download and print The Climbing Rainbow Science Experiment Printables to extend the learning from this magical science project!
purposeful play
How Does the Climbing Rainbow Science Experiment work?
The science behind the Climbing Rainbow experiment is similar to the way in which water is able to go from tree roots to tree leaves- CAPILLARY ACTION.
Capillary action is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces, resisting gravity along the way.
When the paper towel gets wet, the water-due to capillary action- travels upwards through the fibers in the paper towel.
When the water passes the color it brings the color upwards with it as it continues to travel up the paper towel.
