Sci Fri: Walking Rainbows

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Super simple science requiring only water, coloured markers and a paper towel; Walking Rainbows. There are a variety of Walking Rainbow activities out there (others include a succession of coloured water jars, with paper towels bridging into each around in a circle) but this one allowed us each to draw our own rainbow and conduct individual experiments.

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We don't usually keep markers on hand for daily use-but have some stashed away for these sorts of activities. Simply draw a rainbow pattern at one, or both ends of a strip of paper towel. Be sure to draw the rainbow vertical to the water it will soak in, so the rainbow can climb up rather than muddle the colours together. Place the coloured end in a bowl of water and tape the other to a vertical surface (wall or window). In the case of making a Rainbow Bridge, place both coloured ends in a bowl of clean water, draping the center of the paper towel over a stick/utensil.

Depending on the absorption quality of your paper towel, the capillary action should take place immediately.

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A second station was set up with the same materials, but a more open-ended process. Squares of paper towels were taped to the table alongside a cup of water and eye dropper.

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This was the favourite activity of our Process Artist; relishing in the journey and not the destination! After several techniques, he landed on bunching as many markers as his little hand could hold-so as to make an insta-rainbow!

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The goal being, the fastest route to drenching his artwork.

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Watching the same effect as the Walking Rainbows, the paper towel bleeds the colours from the markers as water seeps into action.