Plants and flowers need water just like kids! This fun experiment demonstrates how a flower absorbs and uses water. As the colored water is absorbed into the plant the petals will change color. Have students choose their own color and make colored flowers for any occasion or as a gift to a loved one. This simple “hands-on” experiment is loads of fun and is a great learning experience.

Materials Needed: • Carnations • Food Coloring (Primary colors work best!) • Water • Container to hold water • Knife (Use with adult supervision only)

Instructions:
1. Fill the container with water.
2. Mix the food coloring with the water. The more food coloring the better the results!
3. Have an adult trim the stem of each flower at an angle.
4. Place the trimmed flower stem into the container with the food colored water.
5. Check on the flowers every few hours to see any changes. It may take up to 24 hours for the colors to reach the flower.

Fun things to try: • Split the flower stem in two. Place each end in a differently colored container of water. What happens when the flower absorbs more than one color of water? • Change the Temperature – Test how quickly the flowers change color when at room temperature or in a refrigerator.