Toy Thursday: Science Experiment - Rainbow in a Jar

Sometimes we have those random moments we need to fill to pass the time while sister is sleeping. This is a great opportunity to do a quick science experiment. In this case, we followed the instructions from Mudpies to Magnets: A Preschool Science Curriculum for "A Rainbow in a Jar."

In this relaxing activity, preschoolers can "watch colors float through water in beautiful designs and also see primary colors blend to create secondary colors." Put on some classical music to add to the fun.
Discuss colors diffusing together to create currents of shapes and designs. Find patterns, blend colors, and experiment.

Items Needed

Glass Jar
Food Coloring
Water

Instructions

Fill the clear glass jar or vase with water. Set the jar in a spot for a child to observe from all angles. Place one drop of each primary color of food coloring approximately three to five centimeters for the streams to go deeper. Observe the currents making patterns with the colors mixing them into designs.  This experiment works best if the water has been sitting overnight before adding colors. However, compare the water that has been sitting to a freshly filled jar. Expand your experiment to include ink, oil, or tempera paint.

This just might be your ticket to a pot of gold on a rainy, cold day.

Make Monday: Ribbon Banners to Wave to Music

I remember playing fitness girl when I was a little. I had this pink workout set that included a long, pink banner that you perform tricks turning it, swaying it, and swinging it with your arms. Apparently the effort was supposed to produce quite a workout in your upper body. I believe the set was called Get In Shape Girls. It was popular and I loved it!

I think of those memories every time Judah and I go to music class and move scarves or ribbons to rhythmic beat. We toss them high and low, play peek-a-boo, sway back and forth, make large circles, and swing them into figure eights. I must admit it is a fun activity even for me as an adult.

So we decided to make our own homemade ribbon banners to swing at home to our favorite musical beats.

Supplies
Jumbo Popsicle sticks or wooden paint sticks or wire
Tape
Different colors, shapes, and sizes of cloth ribbon or wrapping ribbon
Scissors

Instructions
Really this craft is quite simple. Cut various colors of ribbons different sizes and tape them to one end of the stick. Then play your music and twirl your way around the room with your ribbon banner. Be sure to mimic the beat and the pitch of the music going high and low, side to side, and moving to different shape designs.