Ingredients
- 2 sheets of watercolor paper, 9 inches by 12 inches, at least 140 pounds
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 6 fluid ounces washable liquid paint, divided among 3 colors, about 2 fluid ounces of each color
- 3 tablespoons water for thinning the paint
- 1 small cup, 4 fluid ounces, for each paint color
- 3 small cups, 2 fluid ounces each, for the vinegar
- 3 small paintbrushes, about 1/2 inch wide
- 3 plastic spoons, 1 teaspoon size
- 1 plastic tray or shallow baking sheet, about 10 inches by 14 inches
- 1 plastic dropper or small squeeze bottle, 1 fluid ounce
- 1 measuring cup, 1/2 cup size
- 1 pair of child-safe craft scissors, optional for trimming the paper
- 1 waterproof table covering, at least 2 feet by 3 feet
- 1 smock or old shirt for each child helper
- 1 roll of paper towels, at least 30 sheets
- 1 pair of reusable household gloves, optional for cleanup
Instructions
- Cover the table with a waterproof covering to protect from spills.
- Place the two sheets of watercolor paper inside the tray.
- Pour 2 fluid ounces of washable paint into each of 3 small 4-fluid-ounce cups and add 1 tablespoon of water to each cup. Stir until the paint is easy to move but still opaque.
- Paint stripes, circles, dots, or blocks across the paper, leaving some white space for the fizz to show.
- Set the painted sheets aside for 30 to 45 minutes to dry until they feel dry to the touch.
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into a clean bowl and sprinkle a thin layer over the painted areas you want to activate.
- Divide 1/2 cup of white vinegar among the 3 small cups and fill the dropper or squeeze bottle with vinegar from one cup at a time.
- Invite the child to place one drop of vinegar onto a baking-soda-covered area and watch the bubbling reaction.
- Move through the colors slowly, using vinegar gradually to notice the fizzing effect.
- After the fizzing slows, lift the paper from the tray and place it flat on a protected surface. Allow to dry for 1 to 2 hours.
- Once dry, gently brush away loose baking soda and trim the edges if desired. Clean up the tray and tools after the activity.
Notes
Close adult supervision is required throughout the activity, especially when using vinegar. Keep ingredients away from mouths and eyes.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
