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Water bead science experiment

May 12, 2013 by Katie 10 Comments

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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.

Simple water bead science experiment for kids | preschool science || Gift of Curiosity

After playing with our water bead sensory bin, I decided to “borrow” two water beads from the bin for this activity.

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 in to both cups.

Simple water bead science experiment for kids | preschool science || Gift of Curiosity

Here is the top view of each cup.

Simple water bead science experiment for kids | preschool science || Gift of Curiosity

In three days we went back to check on the water beads, and they had totally changed!

Simple water bead science experiment for kids | preschool science || Gift of Curiosity

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.

Simple water bead science experiment for kids | preschool science || Gift of Curiosity

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.

Simple water bead science experiment for kids | preschool science || Gift of Curiosity

Yay for simple science!

Simple water bead science experiment for kids | preschool science || Gift of Curiosity

More science activities for kids

More science posts from Gift of Curiosity:

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  • Jumping colors science activity
  • Make your own glycerin soap
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  • 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!

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Find more great science activities on my Science Activities for Kids page and my Science Activities Pinterest board. 

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10 Comments

Comments

  1. Louanne says

    May 12, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    Great idea. We will try this – our girls loved them this weekend.

    Reply
  2. Vanessa @ See Vanessa Craft says

    May 14, 2013 at 7:27 am

    How fun! Thanks so much for linking up to Tot School Tuesday!

    Reply
  3. Pinkoddy says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    oh that is really interesting – thanks for sharing with Motivational Monday

    Reply
  4. Julie says

    May 18, 2013 at 1:57 am

    That looks like a fun way to show how different environments impact objects.

    Reply
  5. Lula B says

    May 19, 2013 at 11:23 am

    I love this. Water beads now ordered! Thanks for sharing.
    Lucinda (via Science Sunday)

    Reply
    • Katie says

      May 19, 2013 at 1:14 pm

      You won’t regret it – water beads are so much fun to play with!

      Reply
  6. Monica says

    May 21, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    I would not have guessed that it did not completely dissolved. How cool. Thanks for linking up at Family Fun Friday.
    Sincerely,
    Monica

    Reply
  7. Jackie Higgins says

    May 23, 2013 at 4:39 am

    We love water beads! I love the idea of adding science to the learning.

    Reply
  8. Carrie says

    May 23, 2013 at 7:25 am

    What a neat experiment. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!

    Reply
  9. Emma says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:24 pm

    oooh what fun, I really do need to buy some water beads. Thanks for linking to Challenge and Discover.

    Reply

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