Oil and Water Art Project
Initial Publication Date: August 25, 2009
Summary
In this activity, the students will explore with water and oil, then create a unique art project to share with others. This activity is the culmination of the study of liquids.
CollapseLearning Goals
This activity is designed for students to observe and note what happens when different liquids such as oil and water mix. This activity will also raise questions as to why they do not mix. It also shows the students that there can be science concepts related to art projects.
Context for Use
The students have already explored with different densities of liquids from the FOSS science investigations and have had the opportunity to attempt to mix vegetable oil with colored water in small capped containers.
This activity has been used with the 2nd grade, but can be done at any older grades as well. It is first modeled by the teacher, then done one on one with the teacher or adult helper. This does take a longer time since it is completed one on one, but you could have more than one station if there are enough adult helpers
This activity has been used with the 2nd grade, but can be done at any older grades as well. It is first modeled by the teacher, then done one on one with the teacher or adult helper. This does take a longer time since it is completed one on one, but you could have more than one station if there are enough adult helpers
Description and Teaching Materials
I prefer to do this project in December because I incorporate it into their holiday type presents and cards. It really could be done anytime throughout the year.
Needed Materials: disposable cake or pie tin, oil based paints (I prefer to use Testers model paints. A little bit of it will go a long way.), plastic gloves, toothpicks (usually one per student), heavy weight paper such as cardstock (a little bit smaller than the size of the pan), water, paint thinner for clean up (just in case).
Fill the pan with water. Choose 2 or 3 different colors to use and drop a couple drops of each color into the pan of water. Using the toothpick, the child swirls the paint around the surface of the water. Next, place the paper on top of the water and then carefully lift it out of the water. The paint will adhere to the paper to create a very interesting design. No two designs will be identical! It doesn't take long for them to dry, maybe an hour.
Clean up is simple between students. Have the child blow on the remaining paint that is left in the pan. Then, taking the toothpick again, twirl it in the water and the dried paint will roll right onto it. If any paint gets onto fingers, the adult will need to use the thinner to clean it off. If this project is done correctly, there will be minimum use of the thinner.
Needed Materials: disposable cake or pie tin, oil based paints (I prefer to use Testers model paints. A little bit of it will go a long way.), plastic gloves, toothpicks (usually one per student), heavy weight paper such as cardstock (a little bit smaller than the size of the pan), water, paint thinner for clean up (just in case).
Fill the pan with water. Choose 2 or 3 different colors to use and drop a couple drops of each color into the pan of water. Using the toothpick, the child swirls the paint around the surface of the water. Next, place the paper on top of the water and then carefully lift it out of the water. The paint will adhere to the paper to create a very interesting design. No two designs will be identical! It doesn't take long for them to dry, maybe an hour.
Clean up is simple between students. Have the child blow on the remaining paint that is left in the pan. Then, taking the toothpick again, twirl it in the water and the dried paint will roll right onto it. If any paint gets onto fingers, the adult will need to use the thinner to clean it off. If this project is done correctly, there will be minimum use of the thinner.
Teaching Notes and Tips
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Assessment
This is an oral assessment.
As you work with each student, ask questions such as why they don't mix, or any other question which pertains to this lesson on density.
As you work with each student, ask questions such as why they don't mix, or any other question which pertains to this lesson on density.
Standards
2.1.1.2.1 Raise questions about the natural world and seek answers by making careful observations, noting what happens when you interact with an object, and sharing the answers with others.