For this project gather assorted pasta such as elbow macaroni, pasta shells, bow tie, and fusilli. Place the pasta in a zipped-top bag. Add in six to eight drops of food coloring of any color and 1 tsp. of rubbing alcohol. Shake the bag vigorously. Allow the children to take turns shaking the bag. Place the pasta on a baking sheet to dry, about five to 10 minutes. Repeat the process with different food colorings. The children can use the colored noodles to decorate pictures, string necklaces, or bead other crafts they are working on.
Mix one tub (16 oz.) of whipped topping with two or three drops of food coloring. Do not over-stir, as the whipped topping will break down. Give the children heavy construction paper and let them finger paint with the whipped topping. You can make several different tubs of colored whipped topping. Lay the pictures flat on a table to dry into 3-D textured art.
Have the children help you add the ingredients and stir when making this play dough. Mix 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/4 cup salt in a mixing bowl. Add three or four drops of food coloring to 1/2 cup of water. Add the colored water to the flour mixtures. Allow the children to use their hands to mix the dough. Add more flour it it is too sticky. The children can play with the dough, then it should be placed in the refrigerator for storage.
Have the children bring in plastic juice bottles. Fill each child's bottle halfway with water. Place one or two drops of food coloring into the water. Allow the children to put the drops in and choose the color they want. Fill the bottle the rest of the way with baby oil. The oil and water create a lava lamp effect that the children can play with. Another option is to use corn syrup and place small objects such as paper clips and beads. Add glitter for a dazzling effect. Corn syrup is thicker and, when shaken up, the objects suspend in the mixture and fall slowly to the bottom.