Watch as white flowers change colors right before your eyes! This experiment teaches kids about capillary action and how plants drink water from their roots.

Materials

• white carnations or white roses (3 flowers)
• clear glass jars or plastic cups (3)
• water (6 cups)
• food coloring (3 different colors, e.g., red, blue, green)
• liquid food coloring drops (10 drops per color)

Safety

• Adult supervision recommended when handling glass jars.
• Be careful with food coloring as it can stain clothing and countertops.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Fill each of the three clear jars or cups with 2 cups of water.
2. Add 10 drops of a different food coloring to each jar (e.g., red in the first, blue in the second, and green in the third).
3. Stir the water with a spoon or shake gently until the color is evenly mixed.
4. Trim the bottom of the flower stems at a 45-degree angle to help them absorb water more easily.
5. Place one white flower into each colored water jar, ensuring the stem is submerged.
6. Place the jars in a sunny spot and wait 24 to 48 hours.
7. Observe the petals as the colored water travels up the stem and changes the color of the flower.