Science & Art: Coffee Filters

We recently started playing around with coffee filters, and they are SO MUCH FUN! If you haven’t tried coffee filter art and science projects with your kids, I urge you to give it a try!

Orange and blue filters

Our first experiment used liquid water colors and pipettes. I found both online, and we used trays under the papers to keep the liquid somewhat contains. The good news was that water colors clean up easily of most hard surfaces, like tables and hardwood floors. We used pipettes and liquid water colors because it’s great practice for fine motor control, and it’s a fun and quick way to learn about color.

We learned that orange and blue are not a good color combination, as they mix to make brown. On our second attempt, we used red and purple. These were lovely, especially when the light came through them as they were drying.

We used both sets to make butterflies with pipe cleaners. Perfect decorations for spring!

Coffee filter butterflies

Filters in water

I read about a science experiment using coffee filters, water, and washable markers. Draw along the edge of the circle on the filter, forming a big “o” shape. Use a pencil to write the name of the color in the middle of the circle. Then fold it in half twice (quarters), and put the folded corner in a little bowl of water, without letting the water touch the colored circle. It only takes a few moments for the water to wick through the filter, dragging the color from the markers with it. The different shades within each color will separate as the water spreads. The look was stunning, and it happened very quickly.

Have you used coffee filters in your art and science projects? What are some of your favorite ways to use coffee filters?

Black marker!

Spring Fun

Spring is here! Bringing with it sunny days, cloudy days, and rainy days. We love all of them! Our kids seem to be solar powered, wanting to be out in the sunshine, even after having spent the entire day in the sunshine.

With the recent warm streak, we revisited many of our favorite playgrounds — and discovered a new one!

The playground at Green Lake is a favorite. There are always enough swings for our mornings, and the twins love playing in the sand.

We discovered Kayu Kayu Ac last weekend. This little gem is tucked away in Richmond Beach, but offers a safe place to run and climb with a beautiful view. If you time it right, you can watch a train pass by a few yards (and over a fence and some big bushes) away.

When the weather isn’t so nice, we’ve enjoyed being a part of the Shoreline Cooperative Preschool. The boys get a chance to play and get to know other kids, and I get friendship and support from other parents in the thick of parenting toddlers and preschoolers. There are still a few spots open for next year for kids who will be 18 months and those who will be 4-years-old by August 31st.

In Celebration of Painter's Tape

If you are anywhere around Seattle, or know someone who is, then you already know that we have seen more snow in the last week than usual. Since February started, school has only been open on three days, and all for less than a full day of school. So what do we do to keep from going completely crazy?

We go outside daily, even though it takes an hour to get everyone dressed — 2-year-olds are terrible at putting on mittens and zipping their snow pants over their boots. At most, we last about an hour outside before the kids get hungry or cold. I’m all for cute photos of snow angels and snow mountain climbing, but an hour is often not enough time to truly wear my kids out.

Enter painter’s tape. I use painter’s tape for all kinds of kid activities. Here’s a list to spark your imagination!

Tissue paper collages on contact paper taped to the wall with painter’s tape.

Snowy scenes on the window with transparent contact paper taped to the window with painter’s tape and a few cotton balls and swaps.

An obstacle course that included a flat “balance beam” from painter’s tape, a taped box on the floor for jumping, and “x” marks to put our hands on when doing donkey kicks.

A race track for cars to zoom around.

City blocks outlined in blue tape, with Duplo buildings and cars.

And my personal favorite: throwing balls of paper at a giant web of tape across a doorway, with the most points for the person who get the most balls to stick.

What tips and tricks are getting you and your family through the snow storm?