Science and Art: Red, White and Blue Frozen Chalk Paint

Frozen chalk, what is it and why? It seems fairly straightforward – frozen pieces of chalk, right? How would that work? Let me tell you. Not well. But, when you make frozen chalk ice cubes it becomes a water color paint.

Combine science and art into one activity! We’ve made frozen chalk before. So, this time it has a red, white and blue theme. Try this for any patriotic holiday (such as July 4^th or Memorial Day) or use it as a color-mixing exploration.

The Science Part

Your child is observing physical properties all of the time, whether he realizes it or not (chances are – not). This science exploration lets him discover how liquids change into solids and then back to liquids again during the freezing and unfreezing process. It also adds in the chalk, which makes it somewhat different that the typical ice experiment.

Before you get started, ask your child a few questions such as:

·        Is the stick of chalk a solid, liquid or gas?

·        When we smoosh the chalk what will it turn into?

·        What will happen when we add water to the chalk and put it in the freezer?

·        How do you think we are going to be able to turn the chalk into water color paints?

After making a few predictions about what will happen it’s time for …

The Art Part

Ok, so really this is art and science together.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Red, white and blue chalk—Your child can also try this with other colors or just use the primaries (red, yellow and blue) for a complete color-mixing activity.

·        Water

·        An ice cube tray

·        Card stock paper – I prefer to use a heavier weight paper, as it holds the chalk water colors better.

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Crush the chalk. There are several different ways to do this. We like putting the chalk into a baggie and smashing it with the back of a large wooden spoon. I’ve also found that this works best when the chalk is warm (heat it in the sun) first. But, you child can figure out other ways to smash it (dropping it on the ground, throwing it on the patio or using another tool to break it apart).
 

2.     Add a tablespoon or so of chalk to each compartment of the ice cube tray.
 

3.     Pour water in on top of the chalk.
 

4.     Put the tray into the freezer for a few hours (or overnight).

5.     Pop the frozen cubes out.
 

6.     Move them around the paper. As they melt, the colors will begin to mix. Ask your child what the red and blue are making (i.e., purple). Also have your child observe what the white chalk paint does to the darker colors (it makes them lighter).
 

Are you looking for more kids’ art and science activities? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

 

 

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