Art and Science: Salt Painting

Art and Science

Hi, I’m Ariadne from Positive Parenting Connection and I’m so glad to be a guest at B-Inspired Mama to share a fun activity that mixes art and science.

Finding activities that interest three children at once isn’t always easy, especially as my boys get a bit older and are starting to find some crafting activities to be, well, a bit boring!  Recently we have been experimenting with many different types of paint activities and we found one activity that all three kids were truly interested in: Salt Painting. Aside from all the creative work, this was also a great activity to combine art and science and practice:

• Patience
• Collaboration
• Taking Turns
• Listening
• Observation
• Pouring/Measuring
• Cleaning Up

Salt Painting Art & Science Activity

Materials Needed:

• White glue
• Colorful Card Stock or Construction Paper (dark colors work best)
• Table salt
• Water colors
• Paint brushes
• Cookie Sheets/Trays

First we placed the paper inside cookie sheets to contain all the salt. Next we made patterns on the colorful paper using the glue.  We all took turns making our own patterns and also listening to each other’s ideas on what kinds of patterns we could make. This made for some interesting collaborations and practicing listening to each other.

Next my children took turns pouring salt over the glue and observing how the salt stuck to the glue or slipped off the page where there was no glue.

Lastly, using very watery water colors and paint brushes we colored the salt. We did this by lighting touching the tip of the brush to a small area of the salt and glue mixture. The paint spread through the glue and salt pretty fast and all three of my children were totally fascinated to watch the paint “run away!” as Bella, my two year old called it.

After each person worked on their own individual painting, my boys decided to work on one more painting together. They took turns choosing colors and watching the paint run and created many interesting patterns and color combinations.

When we were done each child chose something to clean up making the whole project quite fun, easy, and engaging and something we will try again soon!

Have you ever explored art and science and  painted with salt before? How did it turn out?

 

Ariadne Brill is mom to three curious children and a positive discipline parenting educator. She is the author of positive parenting connection, a resource for gentle parenting and positive yet effective discipline. Ariadne loves creative projects, chocolate and is passionate about helping parents and children create harmony at home. Connect with her on Facebook!

 

 

 

I love how Ariadne’s activity combines the wonders of art and science with the absorption of the watercolors into the salt.  And the outcome, especially on the black paper, is beautiful!  Can’t wait to do some salt painting with my kids this week.

 

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