Color Changing Walking Water

Cups filled with colored water are connected by folded paper towels. The water climbs up the paper towels and travels into empty cups through capillary action. As the colors mix in the empty cups, a rainbow effect is created.

1. Place 7 cups in a row. Fill the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th cups about three-quarters full with water. Leave the other cups empty.
2. Add 5 drops of red food coloring to the 1st and 7th cups.
3. Add 5 drops of yellow food coloring to the 3rd cup.
4. Add 5 drops of blue food coloring to the 5th cup.
5. Cut paper towels into half-sheets, fold them lengthwise twice, and trim to a manageable length.
6. Place one end of a folded paper towel into one cup and the other end into the next cup. Continue until all cups are connected in a chain.
7. Watch as the colored water climbs up the paper towels and “walks” into the empty cups. Over time, the colors in the empty cups mix to form new colors.

Travelling Waters Experiment ~ Color Mixing - Incredible Science:

Color Changing Walking Water Science Experiment - Cool Science Experiments Headquarters:

📄 Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment for Kids - Fun Learning for Kids: https://funlearningforkids.com/rainbow-walking-water-science-experiment-kids/

• Rearrange the colors to see different mixing results.
• Try using more or fewer cups.
• Create a color wheel by arranging the colors in a circle.
• Use different brands or thicknesses of paper towels to compare how quickly the water moves.

• Be careful when pouring water to avoid spills.
• Food coloring may stain surfaces—cover the table with newspaper or paper towels.

• How does the color travel up the paper towels?