International Dot Day / Marker Dot Colour Detective
Marker Dot Colour Detective
Children draw dots of washable marker on paper towel or coffee filters and add water to watch hidden colours separate, a simple chromatography experiment.
How to run it
- Draw a thick dot of washable marker about 2 cm from the bottom of a strip of paper towel or coffee filter.
- Predict what colours might be hiding inside the dot.
- Stand the strip in a cup with a little water, keeping the dot above the waterline.
- Watch the colours travel up for 10 minutes, then compare results and turn the dried strips into dot art.
You will need
- washable markers
- paper towel or coffee filters
- cups
- water
- pegs or pencils to hold strips
Make it easier or harderYounger children can simply compare colours; older children can test different brands of marker and record which colours appear.
SafetyUse only washable markers and wipe up spills straight away.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4Children make predictions, observe changes and explain results, building confidence as curious investigators.
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