This week on Daily Activities for Kids, I will be doing several posts that highlight science activities for kids. Science for children can be interesting to kids of all ages, and is a fun way to get young ones interested in school. This blog post will describe one of my kids’ favorite science activities that combines science and art in a unique way. Using common items that you can probably find around the house, you can make some really cool swirled, colored paper out of shaving cream and dye or paint. The swirl of the colored dye on the paper gives the paper a marbled look.
Shaving Cream Science Activity
Ingredients to Make Swirly Paper Using Shaving Cream
Foam shaving cream
Large, disposable metal pan (like the ones you might use to cook a turkey at Thanksgiving), or sturdy, large paper plate
Different colored ink dyes, food coloring or paints
Stiff white or off-white paper (cardstock would be good)
Skinny paint brush or pencil for “swirling” the color
Newspaper
Paper towels
How to Make Shaving Cream Swirly Paper
1. Spray shaving cream into the metal disposable pan or paper plate until there is an inch layer lining the bottom.
2. Squirt colored dye, food coloring or paint around on the shaving cream. You will need several (10-20) drops.
3. Using your mixing utensil (paint brush or pencil), swirl the dye around the shaving cream, but do not mix completely. There should be a swirly look to the shaving cream in order to achieve this effect on the paper.
4. Dip pieces of cardstock paper into the shaving cream mixture, press here and there to make sure that the entire surface of the paper is in contact with the shaving cream, to create the marbled effect.
5. Lie flat on newspaper or paper towels. Wipe excess shaving cream off the paper and see the swirly pattern!
Variations of this Shaving Cream Activity
1. By using multiple primary colors in this experiment or art activity, children can learn about how these colors combine to create new colors.
2. Use dye and color pieces of white fabric (such as from an old pillow case, sheet or tablecloth) instead of paper.
3. Have the children “finger paint” with the colored shaving cream, instead of dipping.
4. Make a card with your swirly paper for a great gift for mom or dad, teacher, or friend.
what is the scientific name for this???
Good question. I’m not sure, but my guess is that it is similar to a chemistry procedure known as chromatography. But for small children, it’s simply super fun and teaches them about dyes, colors & chaotic patterns.
Thanks for reading!