purposeful play
Rainbow Walking Water Experiment
Science experiment for kids
This Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment is a fun, colorful way to explore color mixing and other scientific concepts such as capillary action! Continue reading for the full instructions and see the list of materials needed to complete this magical science project that will keep your kids engaged and learning!
purpose
Explores scientific concepts
Experiments with cause and effect
Introduces new vocabulary words
Hands on learning
Teaches concept of capillary action
Explores color mixing
Introduces the Scientific Method (keep scrolling for Free Printables)
directions
Rainbow Walking Water Experiment
Place 6 wide mouth mason jars in a circle.
Add RED food coloring to 1st jar
Add YELLOW food coloring to 3rd jar
Add BLUE food coloring to 5th jar
Note: You can also use plastic or glass drinking cups! Just be sure the cups or jars are clear and all the same size.
**I added a lot of food coloring to the three jars to be sure the colors were vibrant**
Fill jars 1, 3 and 5 to the top with water.
Stir water to be sure the food coloring mixes thoroughly.
Keep jars 2, 4 and 6 EMPTY
Now it’s time to add the paper towels
Tear off 6 paper towels
Fold the paper towel into thirds
Add paper towels to each jar, as shown in the photo
Use an absorbent paper towel-the more absorbent the towel the better this project will work
Get a roll of “Select-a-Size” paper towels-so you can easily choose the size that will work the best.
Be sure that the paper towel touches the bottom of both jars that it has been placed in.
Set the rainbow circle somewhere in your home where your child can see it safely.
Watch and see what happens.
This science experiment begins working within the first 30 minutes but it takes a full day or two for the colors to completely mix.
I set this out on the kitchen counter and we checked in with the experiment every hour or so.
Talk about the changes you see each time you check it!
Download and print the Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment Printables to extend the learning from this magical science project!
purposeful play
How Does the Rainbow Walking Water Experiment Work?
The science behind the walking water experiment is similar to 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.
The colored water in the jars soaks into and travels up the paper towel-carrying it to the jar next to it.
Once the paper towel is completely saturated the water still travels but then drips into the jar instead of soaking into the paper towel.
Once two colors fill the empty jar-a new color is formed!
