Are you looking for a simple art project AND science experiment? This Salt Painting Science Experiment is a creative way to teach children all about absorption.
Getting The Salt Painting Science Experiment Ready:
You Will Need:
- Card Stock or Mix Media Paper
- Pencil
- Bottle of White Glue
- Table Salt
- Liquid Watercolors, Food Coloring, or Watercolor Paints
- Pipettes or Droppers
- Small Plastic Cups
- Tray, Baking Dish, or Box
Preparing for this simple art and science experiment is part of the fun! Fill plastic cups up with about a half a cup of water. Then, add one color of food coloring to each cup. We use about 10 drops. The more food coloring you use, the darker the color will be.
If you are using watercolor paints, take the paint out of the plastic holder and place each color into a cup. Then, add about a half a cup of warm water. Watch as the water begins to turn colors. You may need to stir the colored water mixture until the paint is dissolved.
Next, write your name, letters, or numbers on a piece of card stock or other heavy paper such as mix media paper. You can also draw shapes, lines, or even a picture. Then, trace over your writing or drawing with white glue.
Finally, place your paper in a tray (with edges), baking dish, or box and sprinkle salt over the glue. After the glue is well coated, remove the paper from the box and gently shake the paper to remove any extra salt.
Doing the Salt Painting Science Experiment:
After the glue dries, fill your pipette or dropper with the colored water or paint. Next, drop the colored water or paint onto your writing or drawing, one drop at a time. Then, observe as the colors spread as they are absorbed by the grains of salt.
The Science Behind The Salt Painting Science Experiment:
The salt absorbs or soaks up the water through a chemical action. Salt is hygroscopic which means that it can absorb both liquid water and water vapor in the air.
This Salt Painting Science Experiment is a fun way to combine art and science together. It is also a visual and hands-on way for children to learn about absorption as they transform their white glue drawings into colorful designs.
Need more science activities?
Blood Cell Model Science Activity
Click the picture below to download. You will immediately be redirected to the freebie.
Download Your Salt Painting Record Sheet Below:
How long does it take for the glue to dry? Can you do this in an hour class with prek kids?
The glue takes a day or two to dry, so you’d probably want to leave it in the classroom at least overnight.