Chromatography Coffee-Filter Butterfly Wings
A playful, screen-free adventure designed to spark curiosity, sensory exploration, and fine motor skills for kids aged 4 to 6.
Materials Needed
- • Round white paper coffee filters (2 filters)
- • Water-soluble black and brown markers (2–3 units)
- • Small shallow water glass (1 unit)
- • Chenille pipe cleaners (1 unit)
Pro Tips
- → Draw a thick circle with a black marker 1 inch from the center of the filter paper.
- → Fold the filter into a cone so only the very uncolored tip touches the water.
- → Black marker dye reveals hidden blues, purples, and yellows as the solvent carries pigments outward.
Safety First
Use only non-toxic, water-soluble markers; permanent markers will not separate in water.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Draw a thick ring using a black water-based marker 2 cm away from the center of a flat circular coffee filter.
Step 2
Fold the coffee filter in half twice to make a narrow cone with the clean point at the bottom.
Step 3
Rest the paper cone tip in a shallow cup containing 1 cm of water, keeping the black ink line above the waterline.
Step 4
Watch the water climb and separate black ink into rings of blue, green, and red; unfold to dry, then pinch the center with a pipe cleaner to form butterfly wings.