Have you ever tried salt painting for a quick science and art activity? Science can take many forms and this is a fun winter STEAM activity using super simple supplies, salt, and glue. We think snowflake salt painting is tons of fun! Wait till you see how easy it is to set up STEAM activities at home or in the classroom!
SNOWFLAKE SALT PAINTING FOR WINTER ART AND SCIENCE!
PERFECT WINTER STEM FOR KIDS
We love science and art! This simple snowflake salt painting activity combines both for easy 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.
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?
HOW TO PAINT SNOWFLAKES WITH SALT
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Simple supplies, easy science, and fun art! All perfect for an indoor STEAM activity this winter.
YOU WILL NEED:
- Snowflake stencils (click here to download)
- Elmer’s glue
- Salt
- Blue food coloring (or any color of choice)
- Water
- White card-stock or watercolor paper
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 with glue and salt, and make other patterns and pictures.
STEP 1: Print out the snowflake stencils. Then layout a piece of paper over the snowflakes as a stencil or you can use the printed snowflakes patterns.
STEP 2: Use the glue to draw over the snowflakes, making sure to do each small arm of the snowflake.
STEP 3: Put a good amount of salt onto the glue and then carefully pour the excess salt off.
STEP 4: Let the glue and salt painting dry.
STEP 5: Mix a few tablespoons of water with blue food coloring.
Salt Painting Tip: The more food coloring you use the darker your “paint” will appear.
STEP 6: Use a pipette to slowly 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 effect.
Let your snowflakes dry overnight!
Salt Painting Tip: You can also use watercolors!
HOW DOES SALT PAINTING WORK?
As I mentioned above, this snowflake salt painting activity is both science and art, but what’s the science?
Well, 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.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Star Salt Painting
You can also try sugar for a fun science experiment and compare the results!
MORE FUN WINTER ACTIVITIES:
Click on each of the links below to find more fun ways to explore winter even if it isn’t wintering outside!
- Learn how to make frost on a can.
- Engineer your own snowball launcher for indoor snowball fights.
- Create a winter snow storm in a jar.
- Explore how polar bears stay warm.
- Fish for ice cubes indoors!
- Make your own fake snow.
- Whip up some snow slime.
SNOWFLAKE SALT PAINTINGS FOR WINTER STEAM!
See more playful Winter Science Activities right here. Click on the photo below to get started.
Looking for easy to print Winter activities?
We have you covered…
Click below for your FREE Snowflake Projects.
[…] Snowflake Salt Painting […]