D-I-Y Puffy Paint 

Materials

• 1 Cup Flour
• 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder or Baking Soda
• Paper/cardboard/cardstock
• Large bowl
• Large mixing spoon
• Q-tip/brush
• Food Coloring/ Tempera Paint
• Water
• 3 small bowls for different colors
• ¼ tsp Salt

Setup
At a table lined with newspaper, set out the flour, baking powder or baking soda, and salt. In front of every child, set a piece of paper. Have the children write their names on the back of the paper before they begin painting and the paper becomes oversaturated.

Directions

1) To start this project, get flour, baking powder or baking soda, salt mix together in small bowl.
Add a bit of water and stir until you get a smooth, thin paste (about the same consistency of stirred yogurt).
2) Next, separate into different bowls that will become different colors. Then add a little bit of food coloring or tempera paint and mix well.
3) Use Q-tips or brushes to apply the mixture on to the piece of paper, cardstock, or small piece of cardboard.
4) With adult assistance, put painting into microwave for 30 seconds and watch it puff up!
5) Allow picture to cool before handling.

Investigation Questions:
• What do you notice?
• How does it feel before it goes in microwave and after?
• What changes do you see happening to your paper?
• What do you think would happen if you mixed more than one color together?