We set-up a fun “paper-testing” experiment. On a large piece of cardstock or cardboard, glue pieces of different types of paper and other materials: printer paper, construction paper, foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, corrugated cardboard, paper towel, fabric, etc. Choose one medium, such as crayons or watercolors, and see what happens as you draw or paint on each type of paper. It’s a little bit art and a little bit science!
Our board today had felt, construction paper, bubble wrap, paper bag, muslin, cardboard, paper towel, foil, a doily, and a piece of a plastic bag. Natalie wanted to do her “test” with watercolors. While she was working, we talked about what was happening, which materials were absorbing and which weren’t. Natalie loved how the watercolors bubbled up on some of the materials.
When she was done, she also soaked up the extra watercolor with napkins — a bonus activity! 
Natalie tried out a board with pastels, regular crayons, and colored pencil, too. She was surprised that the pastels colored on the plastic bag and felt!
Very fun way to spend the morning!
Happy experimenting!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
What a fun little project! I love your selection of materials, and your cleverness at throwing in a bit of bubble wrap. How coy!
Thanks for joining in on the swap, too, I think it’ll be such fun!
another great idea…saving this one as a to do.
THANKS