Each child should have a 100 percent cotton T-shirt for this color experiment. Lay the shirt flat. Tightly twist the shirt vertically and wrap rubber bands around the shirt every 2 inches. The rubber bands and the folds of the twists will create white space on the design. Fill buckets with fabric dye and add 1 cup of salt to each bucket. Fabric dye is available in liquid, tablet or powder form at grocery, craft and discount stores. Dip half of the shirt into one bucket of fabric dye and hold it in place for about five minutes. Place the other half of the shirt into a bucket containing a different colored dye and hold it for five to 10 minutes. Allow the colors to overlap at the center of the twist. Clip the shirt to a clothesline or hanger with a clothespin until the fabric feels dry. Remove the rubber bands, shake out the shirt and allow it to completely air dry.
Dying white carnations is an experiment in color absorption by the flowers. Cut white carnation stems at a slant. You must use white carnations to see the color change. Fill 8-ounce cups with 4 ounces of water and add about 25 drops of food coloring to each cup (blue, red, yellow, green or whatever colors you prefer). Insert a carnation stem into each cup of colored water. The carnation will absorb water through the stem, leaves and flower. Observe the carnations over a 24-hour period and note the color changes in flower and greenery. Have students record which color is absorbed more than others and which color is absorbed faster.
Small children appreciate the crafty nature of coffee filter sun catcher color experiments. Give each child a basket-style white coffee filter. Liquid water color paint or washable food color diluted with water should be placed into squeeze bottles for use by the children (or colors can be added to disposable cups and children may use eye droppers). Flatten the coffee filter on top of a thick layer of paper towels or newspapers. Drip different colors onto the filter and watch the colors expand over the paper filter. Allow children to create their own color combinations, discussing which color mixtures create which colors. For example, red mixed with yellow will create orange. Allow the coffee filters to dry. Punch a hole near the top edge and tie a piece of yarn through each one to serve as a hanger.
This color experiment requires adult preparation. Fill ice cube tray compartments half-full with water and four drops of food coloring. Make enough ice cubes for every child to choose two different colored ice cubes. For the experiment, provide each child with a 6-ounce cup of warm to hot tap water. (An adult should test the water to verify that it is not too hot to the touch). Allow each child to choose two ice cubes. Drop the two ice cubes into the water in the cup. When the ice cubes melt, the colors will combine to form a new color. Observe the melting ice cubes and see what colors are created. For example, red and blue ice will melt into purple and yellow and blue ice cubes will melt into green.