Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will have explored the intersection of art and science through engaging DIY projects, fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.

Materials and Prep

• Watercolor paints
• Paintbrushes
• White paper
• Clear plastic cups
• Markers
• Scissors
• String
• Various household items for experimentation
• Protective clothing/apron
• Table cover for easy cleanup

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Activities

• Create your own watercolor resist art using a white crayon or oil pastel to draw a design on paper, then paint over it with watercolors for a magical effect.
• Experiment with chromatography using markers and clear plastic cups filled with water to separate the colors and create beautiful patterns.
• Explore the science of light and color by making a DIY rainbow using a glass of water and a flashlight.
• Design and construct a simple DIY kaleidoscope using mirrors and colorful beads to learn about reflection and symmetry.

Talking Points

• Art and science are often seen as separate subjects, but they can actually complement each other in many ways. As Leonardo da Vinci said, "Painting is a mental thing, not a manual thing."
• Watercolor resist art combines the science of water absorption with the art of design creation. It's like a secret message revealed by the paint!
• Chromatography is a scientific technique used to separate mixtures into their individual components. It's like decoding the hidden colors in markers!
• Rainbows are natural phenomena created by the refraction and reflection of light. You can create your own mini rainbow indoors with just a glass of water and a flashlight!
• Kaleidoscopes work by reflecting light off multiple mirrors to create symmetrical patterns. It's like making your own magical tunnel of colors!