cool wheelbarrow project

This was a part of the Narnia program that I did at our church. It fit in nicely with the winter/white witch theme. I will share more soon. It was fun.

I am a big fan of the open ended art project. The kind where there is no result other than the thrill of the effect. Everyone succeeds and no one is left out. These types of project are especially nice for the very young, but kids of all ages love this one. So do I. It's so simple and the results are fascinating.

All you need is lots of ice, lots of salt, and lots of food coloring. Make sure you get regular food coloring and neon food coloring. The neon creates an effect that will blow your your kids away. Food coloring is very cheap these days....big packs of it were only 99 cents at my grocery store.

This was for a large group. There were approx. 30 kids checking in on this project. Some unable to walk away and others just watching. It's nifty that way. With just a few kids you won't need so much ice and such. This was five bags worth, FYI. If I had thought about it sooner, I would have frozen some large blocks in my freezer at home. The effect is different with block ice....the salt forms little caverns that are interesting.

Throw in the ice, give them salt shakers, and then give them food coloring to DROP (rather than squirt the whole bottle in one blast) on the ice. There is no wrong way to do this. Let them stir, poke and mix colors....or not. Wear old clothes and go to town!

What you can not see very well in this picture is the crazy iridescent effect that happens after awhile with the salt and neon colors. It's gold and bronze and a beautiful coppery green. So much fun.

Give it a go!

I have other 'wheelbarrow' projects if you're interested!