Go over the color wheel before starting. This experiment can be for pre school kids or even older kids because who doesn’t love rainbows? Let the kids discuss how they will make a rainbow from just three colors. Bring a rainbow to life with this science experiment! Science: Color theory, capillary action. Density is the reason that this experiment works! Make a Rainbow Density Jar and explore the density of liquids with color! Repeat this step until each jar has a paper towel. a container of clear water so you can fill your cups. The rainbow paper towel experiment teaches a few basic scientific concepts. Apply It. Once there isn’t any dry area to absorb the colored water the absorption slows. When a rainbow forms in the sky, the same principle applies. It’s amazing how color mixing science experiments for kids can make something spectacular! By Penny March 9, 2020 March 14th, 2020 No Comments . (20ml) BottlesBounty Select-a-Size Paper Towels, White, 12 Huge Rolls. Youll want to make sure whatever you use that they are about the same height and are crystal clear so you can see all the colorful action. Here's a link to a free data recording sheet to keep track of what happens with your experiment. When you reflect the light back out of the water using the mirror, you’re reflecting the white light that has been broken up (from refraction) into the full rainbow of colors, and a rainbow appears! The paper towels will start soaking up the water right away, but it will take about 48 hours before the process is finished. I used 6 clear plastic cups that I had leftover from one of my kids birthday parties, but you can use drinking glasses, wine glasses. Related: Spectacular STEM Activities You Can Do Right Now. Learn how plants get water with the Rainbow Walking Water experiment! This rainbow activity is perfect for spring science! Lay the cups in a row. This causes the water to move up the paper towel and into the next jar. It was not a very big rainbow, but once the flashlight was placed just right, there it was! My kids absolutely loved it! Whether you are looking for a pot of gold at the end or just love the way the colors combine, exploring rainbows through science and STEM activities is a great way to get started! If you want more rainbow science experiments, try the color changing flowers experiment , the rainbow density tower experiment , sugar density tower experiment , or the raining rainbow in a jar. Because the colored water doesn’t continue from jar to jar we’re able to make a rainbow of colors! This activity is suitable for all ages, especially for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners and even grade schoolers. What is a rainbow? Set a timer to find out exactly how long it takes to start mixing colors. For example, connect three cups, initially filled with water, to an empty fourth, central cup, Or place all your cups in a straight line or triangle. The magic science series is intended to supplement an exciting new discovery box that is part of our subscription plan.