Children are natural artists and scientists long before they learn those titles. Think about how a toddler immediately colors everything in sight when given a crayon. And how a young child questions everything, from the color of the sky to how a chrysalis forms.
You can nurture those natural artistic and scientific tendencies with the activities that you do together. In some cases, you can even combine those subjects and activities for extra fun learning. Keep reading to learn about two easy art and science activities for kids that you can do together this summer or whenever you want.
Rainbow Density Experiment
Create scientific art in a jar with this rainbow density experiment. While you can use any colors you want, traditional rainbow colors are great because they divide well and are easily recognizable. To conduct this experiment, you’ll need:
- Several glasses or jars (one for each color you want to make)
- Warm water
- Sugar
- Something to stir with, like a spoon
- A type of colorant, like pigment powder or food coloring
- A plastic syringe
Instructions
Fill all your glasses except one with 1/4 cup of warm water. Add 1 tbsp. of sugar and two pinches or drops of colorant to one jar. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 2 tbsps. of sugar and two pinches/drops of colorant to the next jar. Add 3 tbsps. of sugar and 2 pinches/drops of colorant to the next jar.
Continue increasing the amount of sugar by 1 tbsp. for each additional color, but 3-4 colors are ideal. Use the syringe to collect a color from the last jar and squirt it into the empty jar. Continue collecting the colors in the reverse order of how you colored the jars. Due to the different sugar contents, the colors will float on top of each other.
Salt Pendulum
Study motion and iridescence while making art with this amazing craft that will entertain kids of all ages. You’ll need:
- A funnel
- Some string
- A canvas of your choice
- Tape
- Salt
- Color-changing pigment powder
- A mixing bowl
- A mixing utensil
Instructions
Start by pouring your desired amount of salt into the mixing bowl. Then, add your desired amount of pigment powder and stir to combine. Tie string around your funnel so you can hang it up, and then tape it to a doorway or other type of beam. Tape the end of the funnel closed and pour in your colorful salt.
Place your canvas, which can be black paper, white cardboard, or a material of your choice, and then remove the tape from the end of the funnel. Pull it back and swing it in whatever shape you want. Teach your kids how different motions make different shapes and how the color-changing pigments work through iridescence.
Child Involvement
Involving your child in these artistic science experiments is about more than teaching them water density, motion, and iridescence. Measuring, pouring, stirring, using a syringe, and tying string will all help your child develop their fine motor skills and independence. These activities don’t have to be perfect to benefit your children. Relax and enjoy these activities together.
These two easy art and science activities for kids will help them learn about water density, motion, and iridescence. While these are fun activities you can do outside this summer, you can do them together at any time. Remember to relax and enjoy your time together as you learn and play.