Rainbow STEM Properties of the Water Molecule

This science activity seems almost magical as water "walks" between cups of red, yellow, and blue to blend to form the secondary colors in this Rainbow lab. Students use science practice skills to make observations and predictions about what they see. This experiment is so amazing and easy to do to illustrate capillary action and introduce properties of the water molecule. The activity wraps up with a short reading explaining the properties of the water molecule including adhesion, cohesion, and capillary action - students write a conclusion to explain what happened.

The reading passage and corresponding questions are written for grades 3-5.

Want to do this experiment with younger students? Check out my K-2 version that focuses on color mixing.

Want it for middle school? - check out my 6-8 Version .

Want all the grade levels? This activity is part of my Rainbow STEM Bundle . All 3 grade bands (K-8 options!) at an incredible price!

Materials needed: 7 clear plastic cups, paper towels, water, red, yellow, and blue food coloring (or liquid water colors)

Tell me how it goes! Leave feedback!!

Looking for other FUN STEM activities? Check out these:

• Skittles Science
• Sloth STEM
• Elephant Toothpaste
• Windmill STEM
• Mummy STEM
• Bat STEM
• Water Cycle STEM
• Water Wheel STEM

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