6 Ways to Experiment With the Science of Color

Springtime is here, and nature is filled with vibrant hues from flowers and plants to inspire young minds. Mixing and experimenting with these colors is a fun and imaginative way for families to explore STEM together. Read on to find bright new ways to uncover the science of color in nature with hands-on activities.

Walking Rainbow

Bring colors to life with this fun and easy STEM activity. Simply fill cups with water, add different food coloring to each one and place paper towels between the cups. Your child can watch the colored water climb up the paper towels and “walk” from cup to cup in a satisfying experiment that demonstrates absorption and capillary action.

Monochromatic Art Collage

Take on the challenge of creating your very own monochromatic art collage, representing variations of a single color! You can start by collecting various monochromatic materials, like yarn, beads, magazine cutouts and even glitter. As your artist creates their masterpiece, they will explore the tints, shades and tones coming together for one monochromatic visual.

Colorful Fruit Skewers

Make a delicious and colorful treat by collecting various fruits and layering them on a skewer. Consider making your own patterns or use a variety of fruits to represent the rainbow. These tasty snacks are sure to spark joy!

Nature Color Wheel

The color wheel is a visual representation of colors and their relationships. Head outside to enjoy fresh air and collect colorful leaves, flowers, sticks and other treasures in nature to create your very own nature color wheel. This creative, hands-on activity is the perfect way to discover the science of color in nature.

Colorful Cupcakes

Baking springtime treats in the kitchen can help you practice STEM skills at home and invite even more color into the season. Have you ever decorated a dessert with edible flowers or turned cupcake batter a vibrant new color with food coloring? Start by separating and then mixing your batter with different food dyes to bake a variety of colorful cupcakes.

Paint With Natural Pigments

Discover natural pigments in this fun berry painting activity. Delicious berries can be used for more than just eating – they also can create beautiful colors! This painting activity will help your child explore the natural world and their own creativity as they discover how to extract pigments from various berries.

Keep Exploring

Keep exploring the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® blog for more ideas to discover everyday STEM in the world around you.