Blossoming Flower
Cut a paper flower, fold in petals and watch them blossom when in water.
See a flower blossom and learn about capillary action.
What You Need
For each child:
- 1 paper flower
- 1 plate or bowl
- A little water
- Scissors
Instructions:
What To Do
1. Cut your paper flower out. Be sure to cut the lines all the way to the circle's edge. Ask an adult for help cutting if you need it.
2. Fold the petals of your flower toward the centre one at a time.
3. Add a little water to a plate or bowl - just enough to cover the bottom.
4. Place your folded flower in the water and watch it blossom.
Discovery
Your paper flower "blossoms" because paper is made of small wood fibres with spaces between the fibres. The paper absorbs the water into the spaces between the fibres. In science, this is called capillary action and makes the paper swell. When the paper swells the folds you made in the paper flatten out and your flower will blossom.
Does the flower blossom more quickly or slowly with different types of paper – you could use a paper towel or a piece of paper from your notebook or even a piece of a cardboard box? What about trying different sizes of flowers? What about if you have more or fewer petals or the petals are different shapes – does this make a difference? Why do you think there are differences (if there are any)? Have fun experimenting!
What's Happening?
Your paper flower "blossoms" because paper is made of small wood fibres with spaces between the fibres. The paper absorbs the water into the spaces between the fibres. In science, this is called capillary action and makes the paper swell. When the paper swells the folds you made in the paper flatten out and your flower will blossom.
Investigate Further
Does the flower blossom more quickly or slowly with different types of paper – you could use a paper towel or a piece of paper from your notebook or even a piece of a cardboard box? What about trying different sizes of flowers? What about if you have more or fewer petals or the petals are different shapes – does this make a difference? Why do you think there are differences (if there are any)? Have fun experimenting!