I really love to do science activities with my kids. Sometimes we cook up elaborate science experiments and demonstrations. But other times, science can be as simple as this water bead science activity. I had no elaborate goal with this activity. I just wanted my kids to observe two water beads in different environments to see what would happen to each.
Note: For more science activities, please see my science activities for kids page.
After playing with our water bead sensory bin, I decided to “borrow” two water beads
We found two cups, and we left one cup dry while we filled the other one with water. Then we placed a blue water bead
Here is the top view of each cup.
In three days we went back to check on the water beads, and they had totally changed!
The bead in the dry cup (on the left) had completely dehydrated back to its original size, and had changed to a very dark blue color. The bead in the water cup (on the right) was no longer visible, but the water had turned a darker shade of blue.
I took the bead out of the water cup and found that it was, of course, still plump and hydrated. Further, it had lost its blue color to the surrounding water.
Yay for simple science!
More science activities for kids
More science posts from Gift of Curiosity:
- Dancing raisins
- Candy experiments
- Jumping colors science activity
- Make your own glycerin soap
- Crystallized snowflakes
- Dissecting an apple
- What do ants like to eat?
- Make your own telescope
- The great baking soda and vinegar experiment
- Magic inflating balloons
Don’t have time to gather materials? Want to make science super easy? Check out these monthly subscription services that will send science and creativity kits to your door!
Find more great science activities on my Science Activities for Kids page and my Science Activities Pinterest board.
Louanne says
May 12, 2013 at 6:43 pmGreat idea. We will try this – our girls loved them this weekend.
Vanessa @ See Vanessa Craft says
May 14, 2013 at 7:27 amHow fun! Thanks so much for linking up to Tot School Tuesday!
Pinkoddy says
May 14, 2013 at 12:01 pmoh that is really interesting – thanks for sharing with Motivational Monday
Julie says
May 18, 2013 at 1:57 amThat looks like a fun way to show how different environments impact objects.
Lula B says
May 19, 2013 at 11:23 amI love this. Water beads now ordered! Thanks for sharing.
Lucinda (via Science Sunday)
Katie says
May 19, 2013 at 1:14 pmYou won’t regret it – water beads are so much fun to play with!
Monica says
May 21, 2013 at 2:45 pmI would not have guessed that it did not completely dissolved. How cool. Thanks for linking up at Family Fun Friday.
Sincerely,
Monica
Jackie Higgins says
May 23, 2013 at 4:39 amWe love water beads! I love the idea of adding science to the learning.
Carrie says
May 23, 2013 at 7:25 amWhat a neat experiment. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
Emma says
August 28, 2013 at 1:24 pmoooh what fun, I really do need to buy some water beads. Thanks for linking to Challenge and Discover.