Part of Crayola’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, ART, mathematics) line, the Paper Flower Science Kit married art and science simultaneously. My artistic scientists first began by planning their experiment; examining the color chart and determining how many drops of dye within the primary colors would be required to achieve the perfect recipe.
After building the paper flowers and “planting” them each in a flower pot, the mixing began. We added drops of dye to the pot and used the perfectly measured watering can to add water to our flower. Language opportunities starting flowing, we made predictions about how the colored water would get absorbed by the stem and eventually the flower petals. We talked about change over time. How long would this take? Kids were pulling real life knowledge into the activity, saying “it takes time, just like a real flower,” “this needs water just like a real flower. Does it need sunlight too?” We side tailed into an entire conversation about living organisms and inanimate objects. How do you tell the difference? What do living organisms need to thrive? The Paper Flower Kit was the tool that sparked inquiry and built vocabulary with our children.
The activity became a day-long scientific observation. Hypothesizing, re-hypothesizing, observing, critical thinking, and creating all in one. Once the flowers were done, we placed them on the kitchen counter to enjoy for days. The kit includes materials for 12 flowers, along with markers for additional designs and creativity. Great for ages 7 and up, Crayola’s Paper Flower Science Kit is fantastic for nurturing language and curiosity.
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By Erika Cardamone MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-language pathologist, Mom, toy reviewer, speaker, foodie, runner
