Science can take many forms and this is a fun winter STEAM activity for the season using super easy supplies. Have you ever tried salt painting for a quick science and art activity? We think snowflake salt painting is tons of fun. Wait till you see how easy it is to set up simple science, STEM, or STEAM at home!
SNOWFLAKE SALT PAINTING FOR WINTER SCIENCE ACTIVITIES!
PERFECT WINTER STEM FOR KIDS
We love science and art! This simple snowflake salt painting activity combines both for STEAM.
What’s STEAM? STEAM is science, technology, engineering, art, and math. This cool project combines science and art and even a little math if you want to explore snowflakes a bit further. You can read more on quick STEM projects here.
If you want to learn all about snowflakes, click here for more cool ideas and information. Snowflakes also include some great lessons in symmetry. Did you know snowflakes always have 6 sides?
MY LATEST VIDEOSMore fun winter science ideas we have enjoyed this week include:
Click on each of the links below to find more fun ways to explore winter even if it isn’t winter outside!
- Learning how to make frost on a can
- Engineering our own snowball launcher for indoor snowball fights
- Creating a winter snow storm in a jar
- Exploring how polar bears stay warm
- Fishing for ice cubes indoors!
SNOWFLAKE SALT PAINTING SUPPLIES
Simple supplies, easy science, and fun art! All perfect for an indoor winter STEAM activity this season. Carry it over to Valentine’s Day too!
Snowflake stencils (click here to download)
Elmer’s glue
Salt
Blue food coloring (or any color of choice)
Water
White card-stock
SNOWFLAKE SALT PAINTING STEPS
I would recommend prepping these ahead of time to allow the salt and glue time to dry a bit before adding color. Stiff paper is also recommended instead of computer paper or construction paper. Look for mixed media or watercolor type paper.
Here’s how to get your colorful salt painting activity started! Kids can also write their names and make other patterns and pictures.
- Print out the snowflake stencils.
- Lay out a piece of paper over the snowflakes as a stencil or you can use the printed snowflakes patterns.
- Use the glue to draw over the snowflakes, making sure to do each small arm of the snowflake.
- Cover the glue snowflakes with salt and carefully pour the excess salt off.
- Let the glue and salt painting dry.
Mix a few tablespoons of water with blue food coloring. Hint, the more food coloring you use the darker your “paint” will appear.
Use a pipette to drip the coloring onto the salt painted snowflakes. Try not to drench the patterns but rather watch the salt soak up one droplet of color at a time.
Notice how the water is absorbed and moves throughout the pattern. You can even try color mixing!
You can also add other colors if you wish and mix the colors on each snowflake for a pretty affect. This makes a great winter STEAM project too because you can add the art in STEAM to your STEM! Read about the science below!
Let your snowflakes dry overnight!
Salt Painting Tip: You can also use watercolors!
SALT PAINTING SCIENCE
As I mention above this snowflake salt painting activity is both science and art, but what’s the science?
Salt absorbs water moisture because it is attracted to highly polar water molecules. This property means that salt is hygroscopic. Hygroscopic means that it absorbs both liquid water (food coloring mixture) and water vapor in the air.
You can also try sugar for a fun science experiment and compare the results!
SNOWFLAKE SALT PAINTINGS FOR WINTER STEAM!
See more playful Winter Science Activities right here. Click on photo below to get started.
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