Three Ways to Explore Science Arts at Home

Explore the art of science and the science of arts in a variety of fun experiments, art activities, and more. Try these cool experiments with simple and easy-to-purchase items.

Homemade Paint

Paints are a basic art supply, but there’s a lot of science that goes into making paint. Try making your own paint with this flour and salt recipe and use it to make your own work of art!

Ingredients

• 2 cups salt
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 cups flour
• Water-soluble food coloring
• Containers (1 per color)
• Paper
• Paintbrushes

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the hot water and salt until as much of the salt dissolves as possible. This step is important in reducing the gritty texture salt can create.
2. Stir in the flour and mix until completely blended.
3. Divide into containers and then add food coloring until you achieve your desired colors. Stir well.
4. Get painting!

Note: This paint will not keep for a long time like store bought paint. It is best to use it for your activity and then discard the rest. If you do want to keep, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week and stir it well before using it again.
 

The Beauty of Slime

Tried and true, we love this liquid starch slime recipe. Learn more about other fun slime recipes in our Slime Time blog post.

Ingredients

• Clear or white glue
• Water
• Liquid starch
• Optional: food coloring, liquid watercolors, and/or glitter

Instructions

1. Pour a bottle of glue into a bowl.
2. Fill the empty bottle up with warm water. Pour into the glue in the bowl.
3. Next up, add any colors and glitter you’d like – this is where you get to get visually creative.
4. Add the liquid starch to the glue mixture a little at a time, stirring well between each addition.
5. Knead the mixture well until it’s the right consistency.
6. Have fun and play with the beauty of slime!
    

Science in Nature

Nature IS science. Try your hand at making some seed bombs and watch your project bloom year after year.

Ingredients

• 3-4 packages of flower seeds
• 3 sheets of construction paper (pick three different colors for added visual interest)
• Food processor or blender
• Scissors
• Water
• 3 small containers
• Baking sheet and parchment paper (drying seed bombs)

Instructions

1. Start by tearing or cutting your construction paper into approximately one-inch squares. Place each color separately in a container.
2. Once you have cut up all your paper squares and each container is ready, add water. Cover the paper completely and allow to soak for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes take one container and squeeze the excess water out of the paper. Place the paper in a food processor or blender and pulse until the paper becomes pulp!
4. Place the pulp back into its container. Repeat with the next two colors until you have three containers of pulp.
5. Divide the packages of seeds between the three containers gently mixing them into the pulp.
6. Start by taking a bit of each color from each container and forming it into a ball!
7. Place your homemade seed bombs on a parchment lined baking tray. You can go ahead and press a few more seeds into the balls if you think they need a few more. Let your tray dry overnight.
8. Once dry, toss your flower seed bombs into your favorite flowerpot or garden area. You will still have to dig a hole first! Water gently and keep moist and depending on the flower type, expect to see growth within a week!