Looking for a simple and fun science experiment that introduces color mixing and science to preschoolers? This Rainbow Paper Towel Activity is a fantastic hands-on way for little learners to explore colors while practicing patience and observation skills. Using just a few household items, kids can watch as colors blend to create a beautiful rainbow effect!
What You Need:
Instructions:
Prepare the Colored Water – Fill each cup halfway with water. Add food coloring to each cup as follows:
Cup 1: Red
Cup 2: Empty
Cup 3: Yellow
Cup 4: Empty
Cup 5: Blue
Cup 6: Empty
Cup 7: Red (again)
Fold the Paper Towels – Take six paper towels and fold each into a thick rectangle. This will help with absorption and make the colors travel more efficiently.
Arrange the Cups – Line up the cups in this order: Red, Empty, Yellow, Empty, Blue, Empty, Red.
Connect the Cups - Connect all of the cups by placing one end of a paper towel in each up.
Observe the Magic! – Over time, the water will travel up the paper towels and mix the colors where they meet, forming orange, green, and purple—the missing colors of the rainbow!
Discuss the Science
Ask your preschooler what they see happening! Explain how the paper towel absorbs the water (capillary action) and how the colors mix to form new ones.
The Science Behind It
This activity demonstrates capillary action, where liquid moves through a material (like the paper towel) without the help of gravity. It's the same process plants use to draw water from the soil!
Plus, kids will witness color mixing in action—red and yellow make orange, yellow and blue make green, and blue and red make purple.
Extension Ideas:
- Make Predictions – Before adding the paper towels, ask kids what colors they think will appear.
- Experiment with Different Colors – Try using other food color combinations and see what happens!
- Use Different Paper Types – Try napkins, coffee filters, or tissue paper to see how different materials absorb water.
- Create a Full Rainbow – Add more cups and colors to create an extended rainbow effect.
This simple yet exciting experiment is a great way to introduce science concepts in a hands-on and visually engaging way. Plus, it’s a mess-free activity that kids will love watching unfold!
Have fun exploring colors with your little scientist!
Xx Jeni
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