Website Update: I have added the following new idea to the Color Explorations page.
Exploring Colors: Floating S Experiment
This is a really cool experiment I saw at a workshop I attended. I gave the children a bowl, a small cup of water, and a small cup of Skittles candy. The children were instructed to pour the water into the bowl (you only need enough water so that it will cover the Skittles.) Then they choose three different colors of Skittles to place in the bowl at the edges and spaced out so they weren’t touching each other (I let them eat the rest). The children observed what happened to the colors (the colors will spread out and eventually blend with other colors and the three S’s float to the top). I recorded their verbal observations on paper and the children recorded their observations by drawing what they saw in the bowl (see example). An important note: this experiment only works well if the bowl sits on a very stable surface, such as a table that does not shake or the floor. Make sure the children understand not to touch or move the bowl. Be sure to place the Skittles with the S side up.
Audrey said,
July 12, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
What a great idea! We are doing a Summer Camp unit of “Colors All Around” and this will be a perfect addition to the science center. Thank you for the visual. It really helped to see exactly what the end result should be. Thanks again for the wonderful idea. P.S. LOVE your site.
prekinders said,
July 12, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
Thank you, Audrey!