water walk science experiment

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Walking Water Science Experiment

Can water walk upwards against gravity? No, not really, but what makes water seem like it defies gravity is what we’re going to explore in this easy science experiment.

Using us a few common kitchen items, kids can see the process of capillary action and learn about how attraction and adhesive forces cause the water to move from one glass to another. Detailed instructions, a simple scientific explanation, and a demonstration video are included below.

JUMP TO SECTION: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works

Supplies Needed

• 2 glasses of equal height
• Food Coloring (optional)
• Paper Towel

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Walking Water Science Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Get your supplies ready. Then position the two empty glasses so they are about 3 inches apart. Pour water into one of the glasses until it is about halfway full.

Step 2 – Next add a few drops of food coloring to the water. You can choose any color. Stir the water until the food coloring is fully combined.

Step 3 – Take a strip of paper towel that is about 1-2 inches wide and 12 inches long. We used one section of paper towel and folded it in half until it was the correct width.

Step 4 – Place one end of the paper towel into the glass with the water. Then place the other end into the glass that is empty.

Take a moment to make some observations. What happened to the paper towel that was placed in the water? Do you think it is possible for the water in the first glass to move to the empty glass? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then leave the glasses to sit and come back to check on them in about an hour.

Step 5 – Return to the glasses and make some observations. What happened during the hour you were waiting? What do you think will happen if you wait a little longer. Do you think all the water in the first glass will move to the second glass? Why or why not? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then leave the glasses to sit and come back to check on them in two hours.

Walking Water Science Experiment Video Tutorial

How Does the Experiment Work?

The water appears to defy gravity, but in reality, it moves because of a process called capillary action . Water is able to move against the force of gravity because water molecules stick to each other AND they stick to the fibers of the paper towel. As water molecules are attracted to the fibers of the paper towel, they pull other water molecules with them.

The adhesive forces between the water and the fibers of the paper towel are stronger than the cohesive forces between the water molecules. As a result, the water travels up and across the paper towel out of one glass and into another.

Capillary action is the combined force of attraction among water molecules and with the molecules of surrounding materials.

More Science Fun

Eventually, the water will stop moving over once both cups are filled with the same amount of water. Expand on the experiment, by estimating how long it will take for the water to move to the second jar. Then set a timer and find out how close your estimate was.

In addition, you can also try these other fun experiments using water and food coloring:

• Color Changing Walking Water Science Experiment   – Much like the regular walking water science experiment, but with an added “colorful” twist.
• Coloring Changing Water Science Experiment – Science or magic? Try this experiment at home with your kids and watch their eyes light up as you pour the liquid into the bowl and “create” a new color.
• Water Temperature Science Experiment – See thermal energy in action and explore the concept hands-on as you observe how water molecules move faster when hot and slower when cold.

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

• Two glasses of equal height

Instructions

• Position your two empty glasses about 2 inches apart. Pour water into one of the glasses until it is halfway full
• Add a few drops of food coloring into the water.
• Stir the food coloring until the water is all one color.
• Grab a strip of paper towel that is about 1 to 2 inches wide. I used one section of paper towel and folded it in half until it was the correct width.
• Place one end of the paper towel into the glass with the water. Then place the other end into the glass that is empty. Then leave the glasses sit and come back to check on them in about an hour.
• Return to the glasses and observe what has happened. The longer you wait to check on the glasses will result in more of the water moving over to the other glass. The water will stop moving over until the cups are both filled with the same amount of water.

Reader Interactions

September 20, 2016 at 8:15 pm

This is a really good website. Me and my 5th grade students used it and loved it. The video was very helpful I watched it with my class.

May 2, 2017 at 9:25 am

this is awesome

February 6, 2018 at 9:36 pm

great experipent

March 14, 2019 at 8:28 pm

I love you guys way to explain the instructions. Our 7th grade class are doing the same experiment RIGHT NOW!!!

May 28, 2019 at 4:08 pm

Good experiment children are too much enjoyed thanks

September 19, 2020 at 8:36 pm

April 1, 2024 at 1:42 pm

I love this website it’s the best

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Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment for Kids

This walking water science experiment is so much fun and super easy to do! My kids absolutely loved it! It even comes with free printable recording sheets for kids as young as preschool! Check out the video to see how easy this walking water experiment really is. This rainbow activity is perfect for spring science!

Walking Water Science Experiment

Ok, this might just be our favorite science experiment! The whole family (adults included) were completely mesmerized with process. We all couldn’t believe how quickly the water traveled up the paper towel and neat it was to watch the colors mix together.

We have wanted to try it out for a long time now and I am kicking myself for waiting so long. I don’t know why, but I thought it might be difficult to do or take a long time. I was way wrong. It was very easy and we started seeing results right away!

Related: Simple Spring Science and STEAM Activities

The walking water science experiment is great at any time of the year, but it is especially perfect for spring. I love doing rainbow activities in the spring, so this was a great addition to our rainbow theme activities.

If you are looking for simple science to do with the kids and something that will really WOW them, this is definitely one to try.

You only need a few simple supplies that you probably already have around the house.

Setting Up the Rainbow Science Experiment

Supplies Needed:

• Printable walking water recording sheets (button to download at the bottom of the post)
• Small plastic cups or glasses
• Paper towels (*read my tips below for picking the right ones)
• Food coloring in primary colors

* The pick-a-size paper towels are best because then you just use half sheets for each cup. If you only have full sheets, then cut them in half. I’ve also heard that more absorbent paper towels work better too. I buy the cheap store brand ones, and our water moved pretty quickly from cup to cup, so I am not sure how important that is. It may have went quicker with something more absorbent though.

1. Print out the recording sheets and make copies, if needed.

2. Place 7 cups in a row and pour water in the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th cup. My cups were about 3/4 full. I have since heard that fuller is better.

3. Add 5 drops of red food coloring to the 1st cup and the 7th cup.

4. Add 5 drops of yellow food coloring to the 3rd cup.

5. Add 5 drops of blue food coloring to the 5th cup.

Doing the Walking Water Experiment

You want to try to use the same amount of food coloring in each cup. When I did this with my kids they did drop an extra one or two in since they can’t control it well, but I just added a drop or two more to the others to even it out.

6. Take a half sheet of paper towel and fold it in half lengthwise and in half again lengthwise.

7. Trim off some of the length so that there isn’t too much excess paper towel that will stick up in the air between each cup. This will make the water walk more quickly.

8. Place one half of a rolled paper towel in the 1st cup and place the other half in the cup next to it. Then another paper towel from 2nd cup and into the 3rd cup. This continues until you have placed the last paper towel that drapes over from the 6th cup to the 7th cup.

9. Stare at the cups and watch what starts happening. You should quickly be able to see the colored water begin to crawl up the paper towel.

10. Don’t forget to do the first part of the recording sheet. Students will predict what they think will happen.

This walking water experiment is AWESOME!

Keep checking back every couple of minutes. Soon you will be able to see that the water has crawled all the way up the paper towel and is beginning to walk back down into the empty cup next to it.

Since the cup on either side of an empty cup has colored water in it, the two colors begin to mix in the empty cup. So cool!

Keep coming back throughout the two hours or soon and observe what is happening.

Question to Ask

What do you think will happen to the water?

What is happening now?

Why do you think the colors are changing?

Why might the water be able to move up against gravity like that?

How this Science Experiment Works

The water moves up the paper towels through a process called capillary action. The paper towel is made from fibers and the water is able to travel through the gaps in the fibers. The gaps in the paper towel act like capillary tubes and pull the water upward. This is what helps water climb from a plant’s roots to the leaves at the top of the plant or tree.

The water is able to move upward against gravity because of the attractive forces between the water and the fibers in the paper towel.

I even removed one of the red cups and made a color wheel so I could introduce the kids to that as well.

I hope your kids have a great time with this super cool walking water science experiment!

Other Cool Science Experiments for Kids

This rainbow  Walking Water Science Experiment  is one of our most popular science activities!

Try this super simple  Oobleck recipe  that only requires two household ingredients!

This  rainbow skittles experiment  is sure to WOW the kids!

You can also make a rainbow of flowers with this super cool  color changing flowers experiment !

This pepper and soap experiment is very simple to do, but always engages the kids!

Did you know you can put paper under water and it will stay dry? Give it a try with this keep paper dry under water experiment . The kids love this cool trick!

Explore Newton’s color wheel while making colors disappear with this totally awesome science activity!

Explore chromatogography with this super fun STEAM activity that combines science and art!

This  rain cloud jar science experiment  give children a chance to explore clouds and rain in a hands-on and engaging way

The kids will get a kick out of this super cool  dancing raisins science experiment !

Check out these other science experiments and activities for kids.

This lava lamp science experiment is always a hit with the kids!

If you haven’t tried this magic milk science activity , you have to! It is so awesome and super easy to do.

This leak proof bag science experiment will make your kids jaw drop! It’s hard to believe, but it works.

Save Your Favorite Ideas

Walking Water Experiment

We love simple science experiments. And this one is really easy to set-up and the kids are always amazed at the end result. Learn about color mixing and capillary action in this easy walking water experiment!

RELATED: Grow a Rainbow Experiment 

Walking Water Science Experiment

This science project is fun for kids of all ages to try! Kids will be amazed at the rainbow created using capillary action. You can also use this activity to teach about color mixing and rainbows.

See also our Grow a Rainbow experiment.

Watch the Video Tutorial

Here is what you will need for this activity:  

• Paper Towel – 6 folded half sheets
• Food Coloring – we like the liquid gel food coloring (you just need 1 drop) but regular food coloring works too
• 7 Small Clear Cups or Glasses

What is the Science Behind This Experiment?

This science experiment is a great example of coloring mixing and capillary action.

Kids can learn about how secondary colors are formed when the orange, green and purple colors are made in the empty cups.

Capillary action is what makes the dye move up the paper towel.  The water moves upward through the paper towel, lifting the food dye molecules with it. This same phenomenon is what allows trees to get water from the ground with their roots. Paper towels are made from fibers found in plants, called cellulose.

How to do the Walking Water Experiment

1. Start by filling up 4 clear cups with water.

Fill the water to almost the top of the cup.

The more water there is, the faster the walking water will travel.

2. Add 1 drop of red food coloring to two of the cups, 1 drop of blue food coloring to one of the cups and 1 drop of yellow to one of the cups.

If using regular food coloring you may need to add a few drops.

For the red and blue, make sure this is not too concentrated.

Once the colors mix, if they are too concentrated then the purple will look more black than purple.

3. Place the cups in a line starting with red on each end.

Line them up like this: 1. Red 2. Empty Cup 3. Yellow Cup 4. Empty Cup 5. Blue Cup 6. Empty Cup 7. Red Cup

When the colors mix then the order of the rainbow will show this way.

4. Fold over 6 pieces of paper towel (half sheets) and trim about 1/4 off the end so they are not too long.

5. Place a paper towel into each cup and connect with the empty cups.

6. The water and dye will immediately start to move up the paper towel into the empty cups.

Blue and red will mix to make purple.

Blue and yellow will mix to make green.

And red and yellow will mix to make orange.

7. Wait 2-3 hours for the empty cups to fill with the new color that is mixed from the other 2 cups.

Now your walking rainbow is complete! You can now see each color from the rainbow in the cups and your empty cups have now been filled with the secondary colors – orange, green and purple!

Note – if you would like to do the experiment in a circle instead of a straight line to save space, just make 1 red cup and place the cups in a circle (as shown in the first image).

Kids will love watching the water travel and seeing the new colors being made in this easy science experiment!

More Science Experiments for Kids

Try this fun and easy Grow a Rainbow Experiment . You only need washable markers and paper towel!

For another fun experiment, make some oobleck! 

Try a rainbow rain cloud in the jar experiment!

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Walking Water Rainbow Science Experiment

Let’s make a walking water rainbow! There’s no better way for little scientists to learn about capillary action and color mixing than by making water walk (yes – walk!) in this colorful rainbow science experiment. This science experiment is a favorite of ours because it’s so easy to set up and the results are almost immediate.

Check out the simple step-by-step below and then gra b 30 more jaw-dropping (but easy prep!) science experiments kids will love from our shop!

Getting Ready

To prep, I gathered our supplies:

• 6 wide-mouth glasses or jars
• Paper towels (use the kind where you can select a size)
• Food dye or liquid water colors (red, yellow, and blue)

I grabbed the six small glasses first .  We’ve had success using wide-mouth drinking cups and canning jars, too.  Even though they all worked, just remember that bigger glasses will need more food coloring.

I ripped off six sheets of paper towel and folded each sheet in thirds, lengthwise.

We were using pretty small glasses, so I cut a few inches off the folded paper towel so it would fit in the glasses.

It’s a good idea to test your paper towel strip to make sure they fit properly in your glasses.  They should be able to go from the bottom of one jar to the next without sticking up in the air too much. The paper towel on the left shows the just-right height.  It’s important to set up this rainbow science experiment for success!

Making a Rainbow

This colorful rainbow science experiment is so simple and quick, it’s perfect for even the youngest little scientists.  My 3 year old, Q, couldn’t wait to get started.

First, I had him line up the glasses and fill the first one with a good squirt of red watercolor , the third with yellow, and the fifth glass with blue.  We left the other glasses empty.

Next, I helped Q add water to the glasses with color until the colored water almost reached the top.

We moved the glasses into a circle and added the paper towels .  Starting with the red, we added one end of the paper towel and then put the other end in the empty glass next to it.

We continued around until the last paper towel was placed into the red glass.

We saw the color wick up the paper towel right away.  This rainbow science experiment doesn’t take long to get going!

After another several minutes, the colored water had almost travelled the whole length of each paper towel.

Five minutes later, the water had traveled all the way up and then down the paper towel and was dripping into the empty glass.

The yellow and red water dripped into the empty cup to make orange!  It made for a good lesson on color mixing.

After another five minutes, we could see the water level had dropped in the red, yellow, and blue glasses and rose in the once empty glasses as the water continued to travel from the more full glasses to the less full glasses.

We grabbed a snack and watched our beautiful rainbow science experiment during the next 20 minutes. The water continued to walk from the primary colored glasses to fill the secondary-colored glasses until all the jars were filled equally.

Not Working?

If you aren’t seeing much movement within a few minutes, it may be that you need to add more water to your colored water glasses.  It really needs to be almost at the top for the water to walk quickly.  So try topping off those glasses and seeing if that gets things moving.

If you see the water moving up the paper towel but it seems like it’s taking forever , it may be the type of paper towel you are using.  You want a paper towel that will really hold a lot of water.  We have used Bounty Select-a-Size and Target’s Up and Up Brand Select-a-Size with success.

It really is worth the extra effort of trying different cups and paper towels to get this activity to work.  And once you have had success, don’t throw out those beautifully-colored paper towels or the colored water!  We gently squeezed out our paper towels and let them dry in a heap on a baking sheet.  We ended up with gorgeous tie-dyed looking paper towels to use for crafts and we used the leftover water as watercolors for painting with later.

The Science Behind It

This rainbow science experiment is as magic as the science behind it.  The colored water travels up the paper towel by a process called capillary action . Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow upward, against gravity, in narrow spaces.  This is the same thing that helps water climb from a plant’s roots to the leaves in the tree tops.

Paper towels, and all paper products, are made from fibers found in plants called cellulose .  In this demonstration, the water flowed upwards through the tiny gaps between the cellulose fibers.  The gaps in the towel acted like capillary tubes, pulling the water upwards.

The water is able to defy gravity as it travels upward due to the attractive forces between the water and the cellulose fibers.

The water molecules tend to cling to the cellulose fibers in the paper towel.  This is called adhesion .

The water molecules are also attracted to each other and stick close together, a process called cohesion .  So, as the water slowly moves up the tiny gaps in the paper towel fibers, the cohesive forces help to draw more water upwards.

At some point, the adhesive forces between the water and cellulose and the cohesive forces between the water molecules will be overcome by the gravitational forces on the weight of the water in the paper towel.  

When that happens, the water will not travel up the paper towel anymore. That is why it helps to shorten the length that colored water has to travel by making sure your paper towel isn’t too tall and making sure you fill your colored liquid to the top of the glass.

Rainbow Science Activity Extensions

Turn this demonstration into a true experiment by varying the water level (volume) you start with and seeing how long it takes the water to reach the empty glass.

Or start with the same volume of colored water and change the brand, type (single vs double ply, quilted vs not) or length of paper towel to see how long it takes for the water to “walk” to the empty glass.

You could even use the same volume of water, same length and brand of paper towel but vary the height of the filled glass , by raising them up on books, to see how that affects the speed of the water as it “walks” to the empty glass.

Have you had enough fun with the paper towels?  Try using other paper products to see how the type of paper effects the results.  Try toilet paper, printer paper, newspaper or a page from a glossy magazine.  What do you predict will happen?

Grab a Record Sheet

Help kids keep track of their results by grabbing our free record sheet! Then grab 30 more jaw-dropping (but easy prep!) science experiments kids will love from our shop!

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Coffee Cups and Crayons

Simple play ideas, learning activities, kids crafts and party ideas, plus acts of kindness for kids!

August 7, 2014

Crazy Cool Walking Water Science Experiment for Kids

We have been having so much fun with science this summer–it’s the perfect time to get the kids excited with a hands on activity!

The Walking Water experiment is super easy to set up and has a big wow factor.  Kids can watch the colored water walk along paper towels and fill an empty glass. It’s very cool!

Affiliate links for supplies used below.

Walking Water Science Experiment

• at least 3 empty glasses (these are  the ones we used )
• food coloring
• paper towels

Choose the colors you want to mix.  We did red and yellow, blue and yellow, and red and blue.  Fill a jar for each color and add food coloring.  You will need an additional empty glass of the same size for each pair of colors.

Cut a paper towel in half and then fold it into quarters lengthwise. Stick one end of the paper towel into the colored water and one end into the empty jar.

Thanks to capillary action the water moves or “walks” up the paper towels into the empty jar. The middle jar fills up with water until the water levels of all the jars are equal.

When you start with primary colored water in the jars it also turns into a cool coloring mixing lesson.

Walking Water Science Experiment Video

Want to see how cool it is for yourself? Watch it in action!

Walking Water Troubleshooting

Happens very slowly.  We have always been able to see results within minutes. If you aren’t it may be the type of paper towels you are using. We do this one fairly often and have great success with the Target brand version where you can select the smaller sizes instead of a larger sheet. If you are disappointed with it taking a long time to see any action I’d try a different type of paper towel.

Won’t get started.  You start to see something happening right away when you have filled your outer glasses all the way to the top. It totally works with shorter, wider clear glasses but we have the most success with the canning jars shown in the photos. If you have them it may be worthwhile to get them out!

This is one experiment you want to try until you get right because it is just that cool when it works. Trust me. You’ll be just as impressed with this walking water science experiment as the kids!

Join me and Erica from  What Do We Do All Day?  each Thursday this summer for a free  Summer Science Camp .  We are sharing classic science experiments that your kids will love!

Head over to see what  they made this week !

Don’t let the fun and discovery stop there!

We have TONS of science experiments your kids will love on our  Super Cool Science Experiments for Kids  page! 

Take me to the experiments –>   Super Cool Science Experiments for Kids

About Megan Sheakoski

Megan is the creator of Coffee Cups and Crayons, a blog full of simple fun and learning. She believes that kids’ activities don’t have to be complicated to be fun and that learning is better with play.

August 7, 2014 at 10:01 am

This experiment is so cool! I am an Education Manager at a Head Start and I am going to recommend using this experiment and others you have on your website to my teachers. Thanks.

August 8, 2014 at 6:47 pm

Thank you!!! It is one of our favorites! I HIGHLY recommend trying it!

May 21, 2016 at 8:42 am

I want to try this experiment for my school project about colors but the teacher is going to ask me what is going on and I think that the paper towel sucks in the water so this way it travels on the paper towel but I just want to be sure that my hypothesis is right so could you explain it to me or tell me if I am right or wrong?

May 22, 2016 at 5:50 pm

Diana that is a great topic for you to research before you present it! Good luck!

December 7, 2016 at 10:02 am

hi I need step by step to do this can you tell me what the dependent variable I need it for my science fair project

December 8, 2016 at 7:04 am

Hi Leisa! Check your notes to figure it out. I’m sure you can do it!

March 7, 2019 at 1:30 pm

it moves because of a process called capillary action. The adhesive forces between the water and the paper towel are stronger than the cohesive forces inside the water. As a result, the water travels up and across the paper towel out of one glass

November 3, 2019 at 10:05 pm

Hypothesis???

October 9, 2017 at 9:16 am

Sure I’m doing this project for my school 😀

October 25, 2014 at 3:27 pm

Yay! I also work for Headstart! I’m excited to try this!

October 26, 2014 at 8:08 pm

The kids will LOVE it!!!!

October 9, 2017 at 9:17 am

November 4, 2014 at 11:53 pm

I am a lead teacher for head start in GA. I can’t wait to try this!

July 11, 2015 at 8:15 pm

Thanks for sharing this. We did a similar experiment without the colors. I mixed dirt and water in one glass, ran a paper towel (exactly like this experiment) to an empty glass. Pretty soon the formally empty glass will be just as full as the muddy water glass, but with clean water. (Well…cleaner water)

I tried to make it very theatrical: I told my kids I would drink the water from the muddy water glass without using a sieve. Then I set up the experiment in a minute and 20 minutes later drank from the clean water glass.

We’ll definitely reinforce the concept with this one…thanks!

July 11, 2015 at 9:35 pm

Oh I love that! Especially how you set it up–awesome!

January 7, 2016 at 12:18 pm

Hi Megan! My son wants to do this for a project. Can u explain what the hypothesis would be and what the experiment is actually proving? Thanks Cheri

January 8, 2016 at 11:30 am

Hi Cheri! He would be the one creating the hypothesis, it’s his prediction/educated guess about what will happen. Once he does that he can complete the experiment to see if he is right or wrong. Then based on his results he’d write his conclusion. Have fun!

April 29, 2016 at 11:21 am

Wow! It is really cool!

January 18, 2016 at 4:16 pm

They should tell us how much water to put in the jars but the easiest way to do it is just to pour them into the middle jar at the same time

January 18, 2016 at 4:17 pm

Just saying

August 9, 2014 at 6:38 am

Very cool! About how long does it take for the experiment to work? Thanks!

August 9, 2014 at 1:18 pm

You can see the water walk up the paper towels almost immediately and our jars were complete in about 30 minutes!

August 9, 2014 at 9:05 am

Love the kitchen table experiments. Hope u come by and share this on #kidsinthekitchen this week http://lookwhatmomfound.com/2014/08/salad-sandwich-bites-kidsinthekitchen.html

August 9, 2014 at 10:07 am

How long does this usually take for the water to “walk” into the other cups?

August 9, 2014 at 1:17 pm

You start to see it happen very soon and depending on how much water is in your jar about 30 minutes to complete!

November 29, 2016 at 5:27 pm

wow!!!!!!! so cool 🙂

August 9, 2014 at 12:21 pm

Great! Thanks for that! How many time does it take to see a result?

August 9, 2014 at 1:19 pm

You can see the colored water “walk” up the paper towels right away! It’s amazing!

November 14, 2016 at 1:21 pm

August 10, 2014 at 2:05 pm

This can be done with multiple glasses and colors..the colors will blend with each additional color but even more interesting for the students is that the fluid levels equalize in all the glasses!

August 10, 2014 at 2:08 pm

Yes! It’s so cool to watch!

August 11, 2014 at 10:54 pm

Wow!! This is so simple yet so, so clever and impressive!! I cannot wait to try it out with my little guys. Thanks for sharing!

August 11, 2014 at 10:56 pm

August 12, 2014 at 9:42 am

It really is impressive!!! You must try it!

August 14, 2014 at 7:03 am

We did it today – so, so awesome! Thanks again – I am going to write a post on it and of course will link your page for credit!

August 14, 2014 at 1:04 pm

Isn’t it just the coolest???

June 25, 2017 at 3:38 am

This science experiment looks amazing. This is easy also. I hope it goes well. I am excited to conduct this experiment. Thanks for sharing! Kids will enjoy this a lot.

August 15, 2014 at 8:57 pm

Love this! We did this experiment during the school year, but with only two glasses. I was teaching my daughter how water is absorbed through a plant’s roots.

August 16, 2014 at 9:11 am

Such a great visual for roots!!!!

August 24, 2014 at 11:24 pm

How do you explain term capillary action to young children? Thanks in advance!

August 26, 2014 at 3:23 pm

Shirley I don’t think you even need to! You can mention it during the experiment, but at that stage it’s more about building their background knowledge. Hope that helps!

January 8, 2018 at 2:35 pm

Is this good for a fifth grader???

January 8, 2018 at 4:15 pm

February 23, 2018 at 4:38 pm

Can i know da hypothosis of this project witha question and the answer must me in the experiment

February 26, 2018 at 10:52 am

Hi Nameeeshi! A hypothesis is your prediction of what will happen in the experiment based on your research or scientific understanding. It is basically what you think will happen when you “test” your scientific question and why. At the end of your project you check to see if your hypothesis was supported or not and figure out why. Good luck!

October 30, 2014 at 10:57 am

how does it work

October 30, 2014 at 9:15 pm

Capillary action helps the water travel through the paper towels into the other cups until the water levels are even!

November 4, 2014 at 10:25 pm

mackenzie, Each water molecule is attracted to the paper towel and attracted to the other water molecules. So, as one water molecule gets pulled to the paper towel, the water molecules behind the original water molecule get pulled along as well.

November 4, 2014 at 10:20 pm

So fun. I’m a HS science teacher, a mother of a 1 yo and a 5 yo, and a Megan. Thank you for sharing with us. I can’t wait to try this with my girls.

November 4, 2014 at 10:46 pm

He he! Hello fellow Megan! Have fun doing it with your girls–it has been a favorite of my kids for years. It never gets old!

November 5, 2014 at 2:29 am

Wonderfull !! I will try with my children Aurevoir 😉

January 9, 2018 at 9:25 am

im trying i in class and i will try with my students in science

November 5, 2014 at 5:33 am

I have done it with colored cello paper too.will try these for hands on experiment.awesome thx:)

November 11, 2014 at 3:46 pm

Hi! I am testing out the Walking Water experiment before having it as an activity. What kind of paper towels did you use? Thank you!

November 11, 2014 at 8:28 pm

Hi Laura! We usually buy whatever is cheapest. I don’t remember what kind I used this day, but if you have trouble let me know and I’ll test some. 🙂

July 7, 2015 at 10:10 am

Update! I have tested it to see and we like the Targer brand select a size paper towels the best! I think the brand name version of those would work just as well too. As long as they are nice and thick!

January 9, 2015 at 1:43 pm

I am a middle school student 8th grade and I had been looking for an easy yet very original experiment to this science fair. While adding something different and multiple things i believe that it will work very well for an experiment, get me a good grade (which is needed) and i think it could be fun. Thank you!

January 22, 2015 at 10:12 pm

Oh, this is one of my fave science experiments! I love how my daughters look in awe as they watched the water “walk”! 🙂

January 22, 2015 at 10:18 pm

YES! It’s the best!

February 24, 2015 at 10:59 am

I am a science teacher in Chicago who has a kindergarten after school science club. I will be doing this with them this afternoon! Thanks for the inspiration.

February 24, 2015 at 11:36 am

They will LOVE it!!!! 🙂

March 5, 2015 at 5:22 pm

lol this is a cool comment

October 13, 2015 at 9:39 pm

How much water and drops do I use?

October 15, 2015 at 8:40 pm

Fill the outer glasses to the top and add as much food coloring as you would like!

October 15, 2015 at 6:51 pm

I tried it and it really did work like wow!!!???????

I was so surprised good thinking ?

I don’t get it?

May 9, 2017 at 2:53 am

hi Megan im doing this for my science fair project and i personally think its a wonderful and very smart idea thankyou for giving me such good information

February 17, 2018 at 8:11 pm

I am doing this project for Science Fair!

January 24, 2020 at 11:38 am

I have tried this for my a science project and made pink by white and red. It was preety good

February 12, 2016 at 3:12 pm

This is so cool me and my friend are going to try it

February 15, 2016 at 9:26 pm

my third grade child choose this project and it seemed to amaze the entire family

May 25, 2016 at 12:19 pm

Thought this was an awesome experiment for my 6 year old to do for a science fair project. Only problem we seem to be running into is that we have had it sitting for days now and the jars are not equal in the amount of water yet. I tried using bounty paper towels and also cheaper ones but I’m getting the same reactions. Any thoughts? Thanks 🙂

May 25, 2016 at 1:22 pm

Are the glasses too tall? I cannot believe it would be taking that long!!!!! One was full and one was empty to start?

July 27, 2016 at 5:38 pm

Can this be used with plastic cups instead of glass jars?

July 29, 2016 at 7:44 am

Yep! It’s just a little sturdier in the jar, plastic cups are fine!

October 11, 2017 at 10:21 pm

Thanks. My child gonna present this to her science project. Keep her in ur wish.

November 30, 2017 at 2:49 pm

Wow thanks so muck for this experiment I used it for my project hopefully I win so I can go to high school and show them.

April 5, 2018 at 6:54 pm

I just wanted to let you know, you’re one PATIENT and very well mannered woman. I don’t understand how people can ask the same question back to back, when, not only is it in the description under the experiment, but the person above/below them asked THE SAME questions!! oy vie.

Anyways, I love that I came across your page. My 1st grader is going to be doing this experiment for his class and I’m so excited for him. Such a fun and simple project for both visual and hands on learners!

April 6, 2018 at 11:15 am

Awwww! TY!!!!! You are so sweet! He is going to have so much fun doing it for 1st graders! They will love it!!!

March 24, 2019 at 4:05 pm

This activity was so cool! I will need to get different paper towels next time though. It took a few days for the color to actually soak up the towel, maybe a bit too thick 😆. Thank you!

March 26, 2019 at 9:16 pm

It’s crazy how that can make a difference isn’t it! I have timed photos saved on my IG profile @CoffeeandCrayon under walking water if you want to see how fast it goes for me!

July 8, 2020 at 2:09 pm

Awesome! how long does it take for the experiment to work?

February 15, 2021 at 5:46 am

I don’t understand how people can ask the same question back to back, when, not only is it in the description under the experiment, but the person above/below them asked THE SAME questions!!

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Rainbow Walking Water Experiment

Simple science starts here! This  walking water experiment is incredibly easy and fun to set up for kids. All you need are a few simple supplies you can find in your kitchen cupboards. Watch the water travel as it makes a rainbow of color, and learn about capillary action too! We love easy science experiments for kids!

What You Will Learn

The walking water experiment is a fantastic way to introduce kids to several key scientific concepts:

Capillary Action : This experiment demonstrates capillary action, which is the ability of water (or other liquids) to move upward against gravity through narrow spaces, such as the gaps between paper towels or the fibers of a paper towel.

Absorption : Kids can learn about absorption, which is the process of one substance being taken up by another substance. In this experiment, they observe how water is absorbed by the paper towels and then transported from one cup to another.

Color Mixing : The walking water experiment also allows for exploring color mixing. Using colored water in the cups, kids can observe how the colors blend as the water travels through the paper towels, creating new colors that overlap.

Properties of Water : Through this experiment, kids can learn about the unique properties of water, including cohesion (water molecules sticking together) and adhesion (water molecules sticking to other substances, like paper towels).

Experimental Method : It introduces children to the scientific method by encouraging them to make predictions, conduct experiments, and observe and analyze the results.

Watch the Walking Water Video:

Walking water experiment.

If you want to make this into a walking water science fair project where you are using the scientific method, you need to change one variable. You could repeat the experiment with different types of paper towels and observe the differences. Learn more about the scientific method for kids here .

• Test Tubes and Rack (clear plastic cups or mason jars work well too!)
• Food Coloring
• Paper Towels
• Timer (optional)

Instructions:

STEP 1 . You can set up as many or as less jars as you like for this part.

We used 9 test tubes of primary colors (3 x red, 3 x yellow, 3 x blue). We added red, yellow, and blue food coloring (one color per test tube) in a pattern.

Give each test tube (or glass or cup) a little stir to distribute the color evenly. Try to put the same amount of food coloring in each container!

STEP 2. Cut thin strips of paper towel to fit in the test tubes. If you are using glasses or cups, you can judge the best size strip to fit what you are using.

Place the paper towel strips into the test tubes. There will be two ends in each tube.

STEP 3 . Wait and watch what happens. At this point, you can set up a stopwatch to make note of how long it takes for the colors to meet and mix.

Once you have inserted the towels, it’s the perfect time to talk about what your kids see happening (observations). Do they want to improve their hypothesis or have new ideas about what might happen?

How Long Does It Take?

The whole process starts pretty quickly, but it does take a while for the colors to begin to mix. You may want to leave it and return to see the colors mixed.

This would be a great time to pull out the watercolors and do some color mixing art! Or how about setting up a homemade lava lamp experiment while you wait?

Make sure to check on your walking water science experiment every once in a while to see the changes constantly occurring. The kids will be amazed at how the water seems to defy gravity!

The Science Behind Walking Water

Walking water science is all about capillary action , which also can be seen in plants. You can even check out our celery and food coloring experiment to see this!

What is capillary action? Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow upward against gravity in a narrow space, like a thin tube or a porous material. Capillary action can happen due to combining two main forces: cohesion and adhesion.

Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance. In the case of water, water molecules are strongly attracted to each other, creating a sort of “pull” that keeps the molecules together.

Adhesion is the attraction between molecules of different substances. Water molecules are also attracted to the surfaces of materials like glass, paper, and plants.

How Does the Water Walk?

The colored water travels up the fibers of the paper towel. The gaps in the paper towel are similar to the capillary tubes of a plant that pull the water up through the stems. The fibers of the paper towel help the water move upward which is this walking water experiment looks like it is defying gravity. How else does water move up the tree?

As the paper towels absorb the colored water, the water travels up the towel strip. It meets up with the other colored water that has traveled up the neighboring strip. Where the primary colors interact, they turn into the secondary colors. Both colors will continue to travel as long as the towel fibers will absorb the water.

We left our walking water science experiment out overnight and had a mucky-looking puddle of water underneath the rack the next day. The paper towels had become oversaturated!

Check out our Grow A Rainbow experiment for another fun to set this up!

Free Printable Junior Scientist Guide!

Using the Scientific Method

The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is put to test with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity. Sounds heavy…

What in the world does that mean?!? The scientific method should be used as a guide to help lead the process. You don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.

As kids develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation.

To learn more about the scientific method and how to use it, read more here.

Even though the scientific method feels like it is just for big kids…

This method can be used with kids of all ages! Have a casual conversation with younger kiddos or do a more formal notebook entry with older kiddos!

More Fun Water Experiments to Try

Check out our list of science experiments for Jr Scientists!

• Color Changing Flowers
• Sink or Float Buoyancy
• Salt Water Egg Float
• Candle Rising Water Science
• Sugar Water Rainbow (Density)
• Oil and Water

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

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i was wodering where can i buy this Test Tubes and Rack

This looks like such a cool activity!

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BEARDED SCIENCE GUY

• Aug 13, 2023

Walking Water Experiment: A Fun and Colorful Rainbow Science Activity

Updated: Aug 15, 2023

Hey there, science enthusiasts! If you're searching for a fun, simple, and visually striking experiment to do with kids aged 5-10, the walking water experiment is a fabulous choice. Not only does it demonstrate capillary action, but it's also an excellent way to ignite a child's curiosity and set the stage for further scientific exploration. Let's dive in!

Materials Needed for Your Walking Water Experiment:

Clear plastic or glass cups (5 - 7)

Paper towels (preferably the absorbent kind)

Food coloring (primary colors: red, yellow, and blue)

Step-by-Step Guide for the Walking Water Experiment

Water usually flows downward, but did you know it can also "walk" sideways between cups? The Walking Water Science Experiment is a great way to see this in action. It's easy to set up and doesn't take much time. Let's get started and discover the science behind walking water!

Set Up the Experiment:

Place 6 cups in a circle or in a straight line.

Fill every other cup about two-thirds full of water.

In the first cup, add a few drops of red food coloring, in the third cup, add blue, and in the fifth cup, add yellow.

Preparation of Wicks:

Fold a paper towel lengthwise several times to create a wick. It should be about an inch in width.

Make enough wicks for each gap between cups and extras to connect the end cups if you're setting them up in a line.

Walking Water:

Place one end of a paper towel wick in a cup with water and the other end in an empty cup next to it.

Do this for all the gaps. You should see the paper towels start to absorb the colored water.

Observation:

Over the next several hours, watch as the colored water "walks" up the paper towel and down into the empty cup.

Eventually, the water in the two adjacent cups will level out and mix. Red and yellow will produce orange, yellow and blue will become green, and blue and red will turn purple.

Discussion:

Ask the kids or students why they think the water moved against gravity.

Discuss the concept of capillary action: the phenomenon where liquid flows in narrow spaces without external forces like gravity.

Further Investigations with the Walking Water Experiment:

Different Materials: Replace paper towels with other materials like cotton strings, cloth strips, or even toilet paper. How does the rate of water absorption change?

Adjust Liquid Volume: Start with different amounts of water in the initial cups. Does a fuller cup make the water walk faster?

Temperature Effects: Use warm water in one set of cups and cold water in another. Observe any differences in the rate of absorption or color blending.

Different Colors: Use other food coloring shades or even try making secondary colors initially to see what new colors you can create in the empty cups.

Different Vessels: Experiment with taller glasses or wider containers. Does the height or width of the container make a difference?

Paper Towel Length: Try longer or shorter paper towel strips. How does the length affect the speed and amount of water transfer?

Exploring Porosity: Get different brands of paper towels and discuss the idea of porosity. Which brand works best? Why might that be?

The walking water experiment isn't just visually delightful; it's a hands-on way to teach children about basic scientific concepts. It's also flexible enough to allow for plenty of additional investigations and inquiries. The real joy is in seeing kids' eyes light up as they engage with the process, ask questions, and explore further on their own! So, put on your lab coats, little scientists, and let the wonders of science sweep you away. 🌈🔍🧪

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• February 18, 2020

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Purposeful play, rainbow walking water experiment, science experiment for kids.

This Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment is a fun, colorful way to explore color mixing and other scientific concepts such as capillary action! Continue reading for the full instructions and see the list of materials needed to complete this magical science project that will keep your kids engaged and learning!

6 Mason Jars

Food Coloring

Paper Towels

Explores scientific concepts

Experiments with cause and effect

Introduces new vocabulary words

Hands on learning

Teaches concept of capillary action

Explores color mixing

Introduces the Scientific Method (keep scrolling for Free Printables)

Step 1: add food coloring

Place 6 wide mouth mason jars in a circle. 

Add RED food coloring to 1st jar

Add YELLOW food coloring to 3rd jar

Add BLUE food coloring to 5th jar

Note: You can also use plastic or glass drinking cups! Just be sure the cups or jars are clear and all the same size. 

**I added a lot of food coloring to the three jars to be sure the colors were vibrant**

Step 2: Add water to jars

Fill jars 1, 3 and 5 to the top with water.

Stir water to be sure the food coloring mixes thoroughly. 

Keep jars 2, 4 and 6 EMPTY

Step 3: add paper towels

Now it’s time to add the paper towels

Tear off 6 paper towels

Fold the paper towel into thirds

Add paper towels to each jar, as shown in the photo 

Use an absorbent paper towel-the more absorbent the towel the better this project will work

Get a roll of “Select-a-Size” paper towels-so you can easily choose the size that will work the best. 

Be sure that the paper towel touches the bottom of both jars that it has been placed in.

Step 4: watch!

Set the rainbow circle somewhere in your home where your child can see it safely. 

Watch and see what happens. 

This science experiment begins working within the first 30 minutes but it takes a full day or two for the colors to completely mix. 

I set this out on the kitchen counter and we checked in with the experiment every hour or so. 

Talk about the changes you see each time you check it!

record observations

Download and print the rainbow walking water science experiment printables to extend the learning from this magical science project, how does the rainbow walking water experiment work.

The science behind the walking water experiment is similar to way in which water is able to go from tree roots to tree leaves- CAPILLARY ACTION

Capillary action is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces, resisting gravity along the way. 

The colored water in the jars soaks into and travels up the paper towel-carrying it to the jar next to it.

Once the paper towel is completely saturated the water still travels but then drips into the jar instead of soaking into the paper towel.

Once two colors fill the empty jar-a new color is formed!

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Easy Rainbow Walking Water Experiment For Kids

Watch water seemingly defy gravity to blend colors together, creating a rainbow in this fun and exciting STEM walking water experiment kids can do themselves! This activity has tons of “wow” factor to keep kids engaged and help them learn science!

I struggle with doing science experiments with my kids. I WANT to, but they always seem so much more time-consuming, messier, and harder than I think they’ll be.

Do you want to allow your kids to do science experiments and learn about the world around them but don’t want to deal with the mess or the hassle?

Here is the perfect solution: a walking rainbow experiment .

Walking Water Experiment – Fun Science In Action!

I’m a huge fan of science because I think it helps us understand the world around us. And because kids are so inquisitive and hands-on, science experiments help them to get an even better grasp of how things work around them.

We have tried the fizzing snow volcano , dancing raisins , and several other science experiments. While my boys love a good mess, there’s only so much I can take.

That’s why I LOVE this walking water science experiment! It’s just the perfect amount of work (hardly any at all), but the payout is huge.

And I gotta say – the rainbow colors are mesmerizing and so worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Walking Water Activity

This is part of my series of simple science experiments that kids of all ages can do (and enjoy)!

I’m kicking myself for not doing this one sooner. It’s now my favorite experiment – seriously do it right away. Here’s why:

• It’s easy
• Take just the right amount of time – not too much of mine, plenty of the kids’ time
• It’s cheap
• Super simple
• It’s SO MUCH FUN (the rainbow colors really make the project exciting)

In addition to pictures, I also have a video for you so you can see just how cool (and easy) this walking water science experiment is!

How to do the walking water experiment

No “Walking Water Experiment For Dummies” book required! All the instructions you need are below.

Feel free to check the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for more details. 😉

Supplies Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to get the job done.

• 5 clear glasses (like mason jars) or plastic clear cups
• Red, blue, and yellow food coloring
• Paper towels

Pro Tip: I highly recommend the pick-a-size paper towels because you use less for each cup. However, if you only have full sheets, take the time to cut them in half.

Watch The Walking Water Project Video!

Check out this short video and see for yourself how cool the walking water science experiment is! Then follow the instructions below to do it yourself.

How to do this walking water experiment

Follow these directions, and you’ll have your own rainbow in no time! Feel free to grab the printable directions for this simple experiment below for easy reference when you’re ready to do it.

Place 5 empty glasses in a row and pour water in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th (odd-numbered) cups. Fuller is better, so fill them about ¾ full.

Add drops of food coloring to the cups like this:

• 5 drops of red food coloring to the first cup (and the 7th cup if you have that many). 
• 5 drops of blue food coloring to the 3rd cup.
• 5 drops of yellow food coloring in the 5th cup.

Take the paper towel half-sheet (you’ll need 4 total – OR 6 total if using 7 cups), and fold it in half (lengthwise). Repeat the folding process until your paper towel strip is 1-2 inches wide.

Trim off a bit of the length so that there isn’t much excess paper towel that will stick up in the air between each cup. This will help the water walk faster.

Place one end of the paper towel strip in the 1st cup and place the other end in the cup next to it (the empty 2nd cup). Then, add another strip of paper towel from the 2nd cup into the full 3rd cup. 

Continue this process until you reach the end.

Watch the cups to find out what begins to happen. It shouldn’t take long before you can see the colored water begin to travel up the paper towel.

You can sit there and watch the water climb the paper towels from the glasses of water to the empty glasses. Or walk away for about 5 minutes and come back to check on the progress. The water will stop moving from cup to cup once the water level in all the cups is about the same.

What do you notice about how the different colors of water mix?

Rainbow Water Experiment Notes

IMPORTANT ADJUSTMENT

I only had 5 cups when I did this experiment, so I had to modify it slightly, as you can see in the photos. So here’s what I did: I put the yellow into the last cup and then added 3 drops of red coloring to the yellow cup to make the orange.

It looks even more amazing when you can do it with 7 cups, but I wanted to show you that you can still do it well with 5 cups.

FOOD COLORING

You don’t need to use food coloring for this project to work. However, doing so exponentially takes the “fun” level way UP! It helps the kids to see the “walking” part too 😉

TYPE OF PAPER TOWEL TO USE

In theory, more absorbent paper towels work better. But, I buy cheap off-brand ones, and our water moved quickly from cup to cup, so I am not sure how vital that tip is. Maybe it goes a little quicker with more absorbent paper towels.

Would toilet paper work instead? Not really. In theory, this rainbow paper towel experiment would work with toilet paper too, but paper towels are a little sturdier and won’t break down as quickly when wet like toilet paper will. While I haven’t tried it myself, I envision the toilet paper breaking in between glasses from the weight of the water and disrupting the whole process of this easy science experiment.

SUPERVISE COLOR DISTRIBUTION

Use the same amount of food coloring in every cup. If you let your kids add the food coloring and they are more “liberal” with one or two, simply add the difference to the remaining cups!

Love crafts and easy DIY projects? Grab this mini activity book for more by clicking the image below – free! 👇

Important Questions to Ask About This Walking Water Experiment

This may be a fun activity, but it IS a science experiment!

Consider asking your kids these questions to help them learn more and think through this project:

• What do you think will happen with the water?
• How can water move up against gravity?
• What do you think will happen to the colors?
• Why do you think the colors are changing?
• What can you learn from this about color theory?

Talk About Colors

Not only do the colors make this experiment even more fun, but it’s great opportunity to teach the kids about primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and secondary colors (made by combining primary colors: orange, green, purple).

Check out the colorful rainbow!

Walking Water Experiment FAQs

Here are some helpful things to think about as you do this activity with your kids. If you have a question that you don’t see answered below, please leave it for me in the comments!

This fun experiment is all about the process of capillary action .  The paper towels are made of cellulose fibers, and water travels through the tiny gaps in the fibers. Think of it like straws (capillary tubes) pulling the water upward. Why? Because the water is attracted to the paper towel fibers and pulls other water molecules along with them as water is pulled through the fibers of the paper towel. These attractive forces between the water molecules and the paper towel forces pulls the water up through the narrow space against the pull of gravity. Real World Application? This is the exact process that draws water from a plant’s roots to the leaves at the top of the tree or plant.

About 30-45 minutes for the water to move completely. It’s amazing to watch the water move upwards and over into the empty cups, creating new colors along the way! 

Walking Rainbow Water Activity Final Thoughts

If you have been wanting to do some science projects with your kids but don’t want to deal with the hassle, the mess, or the time commitment of babysitting a science experiment, this is THE project to do.

And a bonus is that it’s not just kids who love this walking water science experiment! Adults find it pretty enthralling too 😁

More From Made in a Pinch:

• Earth Day Science Experiment
• Dinosaur Sensory Bin Activity Idea For Kids
• Magic Milk STEM Experiment
• DIY Rainbow Spaghetti For Sensory Fun
• How To Melt Crayons Into New Shapes

Pin for Later!

Rainbow Walking Water Experiment

A fun and easy STEM project for kids to teach them about colors and capillary action!

Ingredients

• 5 clear glass (like mason jars) or plastic cups
• 2 paper towels

Instructions

Place 5 cups in a row and pour water in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th (odd-numbered) cups. Fuller is better, so fill them about ¾ full.

Add 5 drops of red food coloring to the 1st cup and the 7th cup. Add 5 drops of blue food coloring to the 3rd cup. And 5 drops of yellow food coloring to the 5th cup.

Take the paper towel half-sheet (you’ll need 6 total) and fold it in half (lengthwise) and repeat the folding process until your paper towel strip is 1-2 inches wide.

Trim off a bit of the length so that there isn’t much excess paper towel that will stick up in the air between each cup. This will help the water walk faster.

Place one half of a rolled paper towel in the 1st cup and place the other half in the cup next to it (the empty 2nd cup). Then one from 2nd cup and into the 3rd cup and so on until you reach the end.

Watch the cups to find out what begins to happen. It shouldn’t take long before you are able to see the colored water begin to travel up the paper towel.

The entire process can take up to 45 minutes, but it's fun to watch as the colors travel!

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I like the way this project looks. I’m doing this project this year for my 5th grade science fair project.

Hi Michael! That’s terrific! I hope it turns out well – good luck in the science fair!

This takes me back! What a great experiment to do with kids. I’ll have to get my kids doing this one.

Such a fantastic project! Definitely need to try these out.

What a fun project! I’ll have to try this one out with my kids.

Now, this looks fun. My daughter would enjoy this. She loves anything that allows her to use my food coloring.

I love this idea. Gonna try this with my daughter. She’s at the stage that she wants to know everything and i know she will enjoy this.

This is great! It’s so simple yet has a big impact on kids. Mine will love to watch the color travel and probably turn it into a race to see which color will make the rainbow first.

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Easy Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment For Kids

By In The Playroom

June 20, 2023

Today, we’re going to embark on a fantastic journey through the rainbow, with a fun water science experiment for kids. But guess what? This is no ordinary rainbow – it’s a rainbow that walks! We’re going toltake you step by step through the “ Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment .” 

This classic and easy science experiment is a great way for kids of all ages to delve into the fascinating world of science, color theory, and have a whole lot of fun while doing so!

This experiment leverages a natural phenomenon known as the process of capillary action. In this process, water molecules move up narrow spaces against the force of gravity. You might have seen this in action when a plant’s roots absorb water from the soil. Here, we’re going to mimic this effect using simple supplies – empty cups, water, food coloring, and paper towels. 

We’ll see water climb, colors mix, and a beautiful walking rainbow form, right in your kitchen or living room!

How to Make Your Own Walking Water Rainbow Science Experiment

Embark on a mesmerizing journey with the "Walking Rainbow Water Experiment". In this simple experiment, observe as water walks through paper towels, creating a captivating spectacle of a rainbow in motion.

Witness the magic as primary colors blend to form secondary colors, bringing the rainbow to life right before your eyes.

This experiment offers a vivid and educational experience that beautifully demonstrates capillary action and color theory.

Watch in awe as your everyday cups and paper towels transform into a walking water rainbow, creating a delightful and educational moment for kids of all ages.

• Clear Plastic cups
• Paper towels
• Food Coloring

Instructions

• Step 1 : Grab around six clear cups and place them in a circular formation. You can use slightly more of slightly less cups if you prefer, anywhere from 5-7 cups will work well. Pour water in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th cup, leaving the 2nd, 4th, and 6th cups empty. We'll refer to these as our water cups and empty cups. It works best if you have the water cups pretty full.
• Step 2 : Now, let's create a rainbow in our water cups. Add 5 drops of red food coloring to the 1st cup, 5 drops of yellow food coloring to the 3rd cup, and 5 drops of blue food coloring to the 5th cup. These are our primary colors.
• Step 3 : Cut six equal size paper towels into strips. Fold each strip lengthwise, so they become narrow enough to fit into the cups but still have much excess paper towel to soak up and transport water.
• Step 4 : Submerge one end of the paper towel strip into a water cup and the other end into the adjacent empty cup. Repeat this process for all the cups. It's important that the paper towel strip is touching the bottom of both cups.
• Step 5 : Watch and wait. You will begin to see the colored water travel up the fibers of the paper towel thanks to adhesive forces. The absorbent paper towels, full of small fibers and tiny gaps, act as capillary tubes. In a couple of minutes, the water will "walk" to the next jar.
• Step 6 : Over a longer time, you will see the water level in the empty cups rise, and new colors will begin to form as the primary colored water mixes. These new colors are your secondary colors. Congratulations, you've created your own walking water rainbow!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Lessons and Benefits of the Walking Water Science Experiment

This experiment is much fun and more than just a pretty show of colors. As budding scientists, kids get a hands-on understanding of several scientific principles.

Understanding Capillary Action

The attractive forces between water molecules (cohesive force) and the cellulose fibers in the paper towel (adhesive force) are stronger than the forces pulling water molecules down (gravity). This is what makes water move up the paper towel strips and gives kids a live demonstration of capillary action.

Color Theor y

This fun experiment introduces color mixing , transforming primary colors into secondary ones. By simply observing the process, kids learn that red and yellow make orange, yellow and blue make green, and red and blue make purple.

Scientific Method

This simple science experiment is a great way to introduce the scientific method to kids. They form a hypothesis about what will happen when the colored water climbs the paper towel, then observe and note the results, learning to  accept or reject their initial assumptions. This enhances their critical thinking skills and piques their interest in scientific exploration.

Science often requires waiting for results. The walking water experiment takes time as the water slowly seeps from one cup to the next. This process helps children develop patience as they eagerly await the formation of the rainbow.

Environmental Connections

This experiment can be a launchpad for discussions about how plants utilize a similar process to pull water from the soil up into their roots and stems. Kids learn about the amazing ways nature uses science.

Fine Motor Skill s

 For younger kids, this experiment helps improve fine motor skills as they carefully pour water and place paper towels. Older kids can take on the role of leading the experiment, enhancing their organizational and leadership abilities.

The walking water rainbow science experiment offers not just an opportunity for kids to create their own rainbow at home, but also serves as a visual feast that helps illustrate key scientific principles and color theory.

It’s a fun science experiment that parents and kids can enjoy together, and it requires minimal, simple supplies, making it perfect for a rainy day, a fair project, or just an everyday adventure in learning. It encourages curiosity, instills a love for science, and ensures a great time for our little scientists.

Join us next time as we explore more easy science experiments that make learning a joyous journey, not just a destination.

Until then, keep experimenting, keep learning, and keep having fun. Remember, every budding scientist is just an experiment away from a great discovery!

More Simple Science Experiments for Kids

If you enjoyed the walking water rainbow experiment, and you’re looking for more engaging and educational science activities for your little scientists, we have a trove of simple experiments that can be done at home. These experiments not only inspire scientific curiosity but also make learning interactive and fun. Stay tuned for more exciting journeys into the fascinating world of science.

Growing Gummy Bears Kitchen Science Experiment for Kids

• Egg Science Experiments
• Super Hero Invisible Ink
• Make Your Own Baymax Rocket Fist
• STEM Catapult
• Measuring Speed and Distance

More Rainbow Activities

Our exploration of rainbows doesn’t end with the walking water rainbow experiment. For those who can’t get enough of the colorful magic, we have more rainbow-themed activities lined up. These vibrant activities will not only keep your kids entertained but also add a splash of color and creativity to their learning process. Keep an eye out for more captivating rainbow adventures!

• Rainbow Coloring Pages For Kids

Crayon Resist Water Color Paper Plate Rainbow Craft

• Fine Motor Paper Cutting Rainbow Craft
• Rainbow Heart Perler Bead Patterns
• Rainbow Poem for Kids (Free Printable Worksheet)

Rainbow Sun Catcher Shadow Art

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Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment

• rainbow skittles science experiement
• rainbow flower science
• rainbow baking soda science experiment

MORE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS

Supplies for the walking water experiment

• 6 small transparent jars or cups
• Paper towels / kitchen roll
• Liquid watercolour / food colouring

Walking Water Science Experiment 

STEP 1: Get your supplies ready

Step 2: prepare the jars with coloured water.

STEP 3: Place the jars in a circle

STEP 4: Predict what will happen

STEP 5: Add paper towels  

STEP 6: Watch the coloured water walk along the paper towels to create a rainbow!

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Walking Water Science Experiment for Kids

Categories Science , STEM

Learn about capillary action with this Walking Water Science Experiment for kids. It’s so easy to set up and you probably have all of the simple supplies you need already in your kitchen. With a bit of science, you’ll get to see the water move and mix colors all by itself. It’s mesmerizing to watch and your kids will have so much fun learning at the same time.

Disclosure: Adult supervision is required for all activities at all times.

If you want to make your Color themed lessons a breeze, then check out the Color Activity Pack . It’s filled with math and literacy centers, fine motor activities and arts and crafts templates. All of which are aligned with preschool learning standards. Check it out today.

Table of Contents

Materials needed, watch the video, instructions, what you’re learning.

• More Color Activities to Try
• 6 containers – Mason Jars are great for this activity
• Food coloring
• Paper towels

How to Make a Walking Water Experiment

Set up your containers.

1. Set up all of your containers in a circle.

You can use any type of empty cup or empty jar for this easy science experiment. As long as they are grouped close enough together so that your absorbent paper towels can have one end in each of the empty glasses, this simple experiment will work.

I would also recommend using clear cups. While this doesn’t have an effect on the way the walking water activity works, it does make it easier for kids to see how the water is moving, without needing to touch and move the cups themselves.

2. Place water into every alternate container (1st, 3rd and 5th cup).

About two thirds to full should be fine, there’s no set amount of water you have to use, just make certain that the water level is high enough so that your paper towel can reach down and soak it up.

Do not pour water into every container or else the experiment won’t work properly.

Add in the food coloring

3. In the containers with water in them, add a few drops of food coloring. Start with the primary colors, yellow in one, red in one and blue in the last container.

How much food coloring you use is up to you. I find that using only 5 – 10 drops of each color is enough for this experiment to work. (ie. they colored water will move and mix in the empty jars.) But it doesn’t stain the paper towel fibers enough for young children to see clearly. If you use more food coloring, you will be able to see a very strong band of colored water walk up the towels and into the next jar.

You’ll notice that in the photos below, although the paper towels have a slightly colored tinge, it’s not a very obvious color change. If you’re doing this experiment with toddlers or preschoolers, I would recommend using more food coloring than I did. That way they get to really see the process of what’s happening and not just the end result.

Add in the paper towels

4. Lastly, you’re going to fold up a square of paper towel and hang it in between the tiny gaps of the two of the containers.

You want one end of the paper towel to reach inside the container with food coloring in, and the other side to sit in the empty container. It doesn’t matter which type of paper towel you choose to use, because they are all designed with small fibers that are perfect for soaking up a little bit of spilled water.

5. Repeat step 4 for all of the containers. You’re going to need a strip of paper towel to hang between two of each of the jars (six in total).

If the opening of your jars is a more narrow space, consider adjusting the size of your paper towel strip. I ended up cutting my squares in half, and then folding them into thirds. This made them more narrow and easier to fit in between the two jar openings.

Watch and wait

6. Now all you have to do is wait and watch as the colored water travels up the paper towel and pools into the empty container.

As two colors from different containers drain into the same one, you’ll see the different colors of water mix, creating the secondary colors of orange, green and purple. Viola, you’ve just made your own rainbow. My favorite part of this step is when the water is initially moving, the two colors stay separate for a time. So in one jar you can see a pool and blue, a pool of yellow and a small section of water where they’ve mixed and turned green.

This final step of the walking rainbow experiment can take a long time. Although you can start to see results after about 30 minutes, the whole process can take several hours. That is one reason why this fun experiment is also a great way to teach your children patience.

Capillary Action

The Walking Water science activity is all about the process of capillary action.

Capillary action is the movement of a liquid through or along another material against an opposing force, such as gravity – Study.com

In this case, you can see the water climb up the fibers of the paper towel (which act like capillary tubes) and down again into the empty jar. This movement of water is easy to see because we’ve used food dye molecules to make the water colored and easier to track.

Another experiment that explores capillary action is the Color Changing Flowers Experiment . Where you can use capillary action to create a blue (or any color you wish) rose.

Color Mixing

If you are doing this activity with toddlers or preschoolers, then you can focus on the color mixing part of the activity. After starting out with the three primary colors of blue, yellow and red, you’ve ended up with a whole rainbow. This is the perfect time to discuss the different colors they see and practice some basic color recognition.

Planning and Organization

This walking rainbow science experiment has several steps that need to be done in a specific order for this activity to work. For example, you need to add the food coloring into the glasses of water before the paper towels. If you don’t, then the clear water, instead of coloured water, will go between containers and the colors won’t mix and create new colors.

Organizing the required materials beforehand, as well as planning out each step before you do it, is a great way for kids to strengthen their executive functioning skills.

Scientific Method

This rainbow water experiment can also be used to teach older kids about the scientific method. Explain what you’re going to try, but ask them to make and write down a prediction before you perform the activity. Once the experiment is complete, ask them to write down the results and why they think the water traveled the way it did. This is a fun way to encourage your budding scientist to engage in critical thinking.

More Color Crafts and Activities to try

Kids of all ages will have a great time learning about color theory with some of these color themed play ideas.

• Color Wheel Art for Kids (Free Printable Template)
• Color Match and Clip Cards (Free Printable)
• Paper Plate Color Match Activity
• Rainbow Paper Experiment
• Why Do Leaves Change Color – Science activity for Kids

For more ideas, take a look at these 25 Colors Crafts and Activities for Kids .

Colors Activity Pack

Educational printables to help teach toddlers and preschoolers all about the different colors.

Are you going to try this Walking Water Science Experiment with your kids? Don’t forget to pin the idea for later.

Walking Water Science Experiment

Learn a bit of simple science with Walking Water - a fun and easy color activity for kids. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

• 6 containers – Mason Jars are Great for this activity
• Food Coloring
• Set up all of your containers in a circle.
• Place water into every alternate container. About halfway should be fine, or enough water so that your paper towel can reach down and soak it up. Do not put water into every container or else the experiment won’t work properly.
• In the containers with water in them, add a few drops of food coloring. Yellow in one, red in one and blue in the last container.
• Lastly, you’re going to fold up a square of paper towel and hang it in between two of the containers. You want one end of the paper towel to reach inside the container with food coloring in, and the other side to sit in the empty container.
• Now all you have to do is wait and watch as the colored water travels up the paper towel and pools in the empty container. As two colors from different containers drain into the same one, you’ll see the colors mix. Viola, you’ve just made your own rainbow.

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Walking Water Experiment – How does it work?

Water appears to magically defy gravity and move upwards. It actually does defy gravity – but we understand the magic! The magic is called capillary action .

What causes water to walk?

Water walks because…

• water molecules are attracted to each other,
• water molecules are attracted to the molecules that make up paper, and
• water molecules are more attracted to the molecules that make up paper than they are too each other.

So, when the paper towel touches the water, the water is pulled towards it. Water molecules also attract each other, so the water pulls more water molecules with it and these water molecules pull more water molecules and so on, creating movement of water up the paper.

This movement of water up the paper towel is also helped by the air spaces in the paper towel – the gaps between the paper molecules. Water pulls itself up into these gaps where is is then able to reach the paper molecules that surround the gap where it is again pulled towards the paper molecules and into the next gap and so on.

The food coloring, which is in the water, moves because:

• they are also attracted to paper molecules, and
• they are also moving along with the movement of the water molecules.

When molecules of the same type are attracted to each other this is called  cohesion .

When molecules of different types are attracted to each this is called  adhesion .

Why are water molecules attracted to each other?

Water molecules are in a tug of war with themselves. Water is made up of oxygen and two hydrogen molecules. Oxygen is a big strong tough molecule and hydrogen is a much smaller, weaker molecule. Oxygen is winning the tug of war by pulling electrons (which are negatively charged) closer to itself and, in doing so, oxygen is becoming slightly negative.

Hydrogen, on the other hand, is losing the tug of war; the electrons are being pulled away from it, so it is becoming slightly positive. Water molecules are therefore slightly negative on the oxygen side of the molecule and slightly positive on the hydrogen side of the molecule – like a tiny magnet. They are not actually magnetic, it is an electric charge, but magnets are a useful analogy. When a negatively charged oxygen atom is attracted to a positively charged hydrogen atom on another water molecule, this is called hydrogen bonding .

Why are water molecules attracted to paper molecules?

Paper molecules, called cellulose, also have these oxygen-hydrogen tug of wars going on. These tug of wars create charged regions on the cellulose molecules that attract the water molecules, just like water molecules are attracted to each other.

Why are water molecules more attracted to paper molecules than each other?

Paper molecules, cellulose, are covered in oxygen-hydrogen tug of wars. They are everywhere on the cellulose molecule. This makes it very attractive to water. It is likely that a number of these oxygen-hydrogen groups attract a single water molecule.

Why does the paper get wet before the color arrives?

You may have noticed the paper towel gets wet ahead of the food coloring. If you haven’t check it out next time you do it. The movement of the water molecules carries the food coloring molecules along with it but the food color molecules move slower than the water because they are so much bigger than the water molecules and find it trickier to move around the paper molecules.

Rainbow Walking Water Experiment

This experiment is so simple to set up, and so rewarding to watch. Whilst it takes a little time (up to two hours) to complete, it kept my kids interested as they popped in to check on progress. You do start to see the effect straight away.

What do you need for the walking water experiment?

• Clear cups – glass or plastic. It is best if they are the same size. If you wish to do the rainbow walking water version like we did, you will need six.
• Food coloring
• Paper towel. We used only three pieces. We cut each piece in half, then folded each half into thirds lengthways. Do whatever fits best in your cup. We needed to chop an inch or so off the end of ours so it fitted comfortably in the cup.
• Extra paper towel for cleaning the spoon

How to do the walking water experiment?

• Arrange your cups in a circle. Add water to every other cup, i.e. to three of the cups. Try to get the same amount of water in each cup.
• Add food coloring to the cups with water. Primary colors give the rainbow effect, but experiment however you like. Stir the water to make sure the food coloring is evenly mixed (remember to wipe the spoon between cups so the colors don’t transfer).

• Fold the strips of paper towel and place one end in a paper cup and the other end in the adjacent cup, like this:

• You will start to see movement straight away. Watch as the water creeps up the towel and collects in the neighboring cup. See the earlier part of this post for an explanation of how this works. Notice the clear line between the colors in the previously empty cups:

• After a few hours

• To see the experiment at speed, see the video below:

You may have some further questions – my children did:

• Will the water keep walking and all the cups end up the same color?
• Does the water stop walking? If so, why?
• What happens if your towel is already wet
• What happens if you put some cups lower than other cups

Let’s consider…

Here is a side view taken late in the experiment:

It is a bit tricky to see, but do you notice that the levels are all the same? Why is that?

Why does the water stop walking?

At a certain point you will notice that the walking water stops. The water does not completely move from one container to the other. The water stops walking when the level of each container is the same. The forces that move the water one direction have become balanced with the forces moving the liquid the other direction, which is why the levels are the same.

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Walking Water Experiment – Teach Capillary Action to Kids

• September 24, 2020
• 5-6 Year Olds , 7-9 Year Olds , Physics , Rainy Day Science

Hi all, in this DIY I am going to show you how water walks. Did you hear me right? Yes, water can walk and here it happens. Let us quickly see the instructions to make water walk and a bit of science behind it as well. Spend your holidays at home with kids using these simple experiments and feel glad that you teach them science.

How to make water walk

Things required.

• Glasses – Minimum two – preferably transparent cups
• Food color – colors of your choice
• Paper towel – 1 to 2 inch wide

Steps to follow

• Take the glass tumbler and place them on the table. At least two tumblers are required to see water walk. You must place tumblers close to each other with minimum distance apart.

• Fill one glass with water. In case you are taking more glasses, then fill every alternate glass with water.

• Fold the paper towel and fold it horizontally twice to make it look like a strip. Then fold in half vertically and adjust the height by cutting at the ends based on the height of your glass.

• Add a few drops of colors in the tumblers with water. You can add different colors and observe the color absorption as well.

• Place the paper towel in such a way that one half is in the tumbler with water and food color and the other end into the glass which is empty and adjacent to the tumbler with water.
• Leave this undisturbed for minimum one hour.

Observation

You can witness the paper towel becoming wet first and slowly it will become excess and the water will get transferred to the empty tumbler. Water will continue to walk until both the tumblers have an equal level of water. With the help of the paper towel, water from one glass walks to another glass. Adding food color will allow you to see the movement easily.

Science behind

Water moves due to capillary action. Paper towels and water contain adhesive force. Water has cohesive force within. The adhesive force remains stronger than the cohesive force. This will make the water travel through the paper from one glass to another.

Paper towel is made up of small fibers and they have a gap between them. Water will get pulled into the gap by capillary action. This is the same that happens by which tree suck water from the ground. Surface tension fuels this action, the water molecules are attracted due to cohesion. Thus absorption happens which is also fueled by the adhesive force between water and paper towels.

A paper towel is made of cellulose and has some positive charge and negative charge on either end. Water molecules are also having charge and this will lead to opposite charge attraction concept making water and paper towel come closer. We can also relate this to siphoning action.

Some More Science Facts

It takes a minimum of 30 minutes for the water to walk from one glass to another. Within 2 hours you can see both the glasses with equal amount of water. Water has walked from one glass to another.

Capillary action makes water to be absorbed from the glass to the paper towel and that is explained in this experiment. You need water, glass, paper towel and food color to see the water walk.

Paper towels are made up of plant fibers. The mixing of the resin will increase their absorbing power. This prevents paper towels from tearing, unlike a normal paper does. Stronger the resin more does the paper towel absorb. The air-pockets in the paper towel will attract water.

Fill water in one cup and keep an empty cup adjacent to it. Fold a paper towel and place it’s one half in one cup and the other into the other cup. The paper towel will absorb water from the glass and fill t

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Rainbow walking water science experiment

This walking water science experiment is so much fun and super easy to do!

Supplies Needed:

• Printable walking water recording sheets (you can find them on Amazon)
• Small plastic cups or glasses
• Paper towels
• Food coloring in primary colors
• Set out the recording sheets and place them like the picture shown.
• Place 7 cups in a row and pour water in the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th cup. the cups are about 3/4 full. (fuller is better)
• Add 5 drops of red food coloring to the 1st cup and the 7th cup.
• Add 5 drops of yellow food coloring to the 3rd cup.
• Add 5 drops of blue food coloring to the 5th cup.

*Try to use the same amount of food coloring in each cup. You can always go back and even them out

• Take a half sheet of paper towel and fold it in half lengthwise and in half again lengthwise.
• Trim off some of the length so that there isn’t too much excess paper towel that will stick up in the air between each cup. This will make the water walk more quickly.
• Place one half of a rolled paper towel in the 1st cup and place the other half in the cup next to it. Then another paper towel from 2nd cup and into the 3rd cup. This continues until you have placed the last paper towel that drapes over from the 6th cup to the 7th cup.
• Stare at the cups and watch what starts happening. You should quickly be able to see the colored water begin to crawl up the paper towel.

Keep checking back every couple of minutes. Soon you will be able to see that the water has crawled all the way up the paper towel and is beginning to walk back down into the empty cup next to it.

Since the cup on either side of an empty cup has colored water in it, the two colors begin to mix in the empty cup. So cool!

Keep coming back throughout the two hours or soon and observe what is happening

Questions to discuss with your buddy

What do you think will happen to the water?

What is happening now?

Why do you think the colors are changing?

Why might the water be able to move up against gravity like that?

How this Science Experiment Works

The water moves up the paper towels through a process called capillary action. The paper towel is made from fibers and the water is able to travel through the gaps in the fibers. The gaps in the paper towel act like capillary tubes and pull the water upward. This is what helps water climb from a plant’s roots to the leaves at the top of the plant or tree.T he water is able to move upward against gravity because of the attractive forces between the water and the fibers in the paper towel.

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Walking Water Experiment

Help your child learn about water, the life-sustaining liquid, using this simple yet magical walking water experiment. The walking water science experiment is easy to set up and the results will leave your kids in awe. It is one of the coolest science experiments for kids .

The purpose of the walking water experiment is to teach children how water can flow without the help of external forces. Learn about this awesome walking water experiment below.

Performing The Walking Water Science Experiment

Water is an important part of our lives. We need water to survive, it helps regulate our body temperature and carries nutrients throughout our bodies, and provides nourishment. Let’s learn about some of the properties of water using this simple science experiment. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to set up and perform the walking water experiment with your kids.

Things You’ll Need For The Walking Water Experiment

Step-by-step guide to performing the walking water experiment, the science behind the walking water experiment.

• Questions To Ask On The Walking Water Science Experiment

Why Should You Perform The Walking Water Science Experiment?

You don’t need a lot of things to perform this experiment. All of these things are easily available and inexpensive. Here is a list of things you’ll need to set up the walking water experiment.

You’ll need:

• Red, blue and yellow liquid food coloring
• 7 clear cups or glasses of equal height
• 6 sheets of paper towels, folded in half twice, lengthwise

Download Walking Water Experiment Printable

So, can water really walk? Find out by performing this simple and fun science experiment with your kids.

• Step 1: Place the 7 cups in a straight line with a 2-inch gap in between each cup.
• Step 2: Pour water into the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th cups until they’re about ¾ full. The 2nd, 4th and 6th cups should be empty.
• Step 3: Add 3 drops of red food coloring to the 1st and 7th cups. Then add 3 drops of yellow food coloring to the 3rd cup and 3 drops of blue food coloring to the 5th cup. Stir until the food coloring is completely dissolved. 
• Step 4: Trim off a small piece at the end so that you don’t have too much paper towel sticking in the air between the cups. Place 6 sheets of the folded paper towels in the glasses. Place it so that one end of the folded kitchen towel is in the glass with water and the other end in the empty glass.
• Step 5:   After a while, you’ll observe that the water crawls up the paper towel and it changes color. Additionally, after a few hours, the empty glass will be filled with water. So, you’ve officially made the water walk!
• Step 6: After a few hours, you’ll find that red and yellow mix to create orange and blue and yellow mix to create green.
• Step 7: In about 2-3 hours, you’ll notice that the empty cups will be completely filled with new colors. You now have a walking rainbow!

How long does the walking water experiment take overall? The set-up is simple, but it will take a little under 3 hours for the results to show.

Kids learn about the mixing of colors. But apart from that, the walking water experiment helps kids learn about capillary action too. 

What is capillary action? 

In this experiment, you’ll notice how the water moves up the paper towels along with the food dye molecules. It is due to capillary action. This is the same way that the roots of trees absorb water from the ground. 

The fibres that are found in plants are the same as those found in paper towels and are called cellulose. They absorb water and the water travels through the gaps in the paper towel and into the empty glass. The attractive forces between the water and fibres in the paper towel helps the water move upwards against gravity. 

How does the water stick to the paper towel?

The water molecules stick to the cellulose fibres in the paper towel because of adhesion. These molecules are also attracted to each other and try to stick close together, this process is called cohesion. This cohesive force helps draw more water upwards and into the empty glass.

Why does the water stop moving after a while?

Eventually, both the cohesive and adhesive forces will be overcome by gravity. At this point, the water stops travelling or moving up the paper towel.

Questions To Ask On The Walking Water Science Experiment 

While you wait for the walking water experiment results, you could ask your child a few questions:

• What do you think will happen during the walking water science experiment?
• Do you think all the water from one glass might move to the other?
• What are some of your other predictions?
• What do you think might happen if you wait longer?

Liked the Walking Water Experiment? Check Out Similar Water Science Experiments

Here are a few other experiments similar to the water walking experiment you can try:

• Color-Changing Water Experiment
• Water Temperature Science Experiment

Experiment 1: Color Changing Water Experiment

Take a glass of water and put in a few drops of blue food coloring. Take another glass of water and put a few drops of yellow food coloring. Next, take a big empty bowl and place your glass of water with blue coloring right in the center. Next, empty your glass with yellow food coloring water into this bowl. You’ll find that one portion of the water appears green because of the combination of blue and yellow colors. This experiment explores similar concepts as the walking water experiment.

Experiment 2: Water Temperature Science Experiment

Like the walking water experiment, this experiment also explores the mixing of colors. To begin with, take three cups of water at different temperatures: cold, room temperature, and hot. Next, add a few drops of food coloring to each cup of water. You’ll notice that the food color behaves differently in each of the cups. The food color mixes slowly in the cup with cold water. The food coloring mixes the quickest in the cup that has hot water. This happens because hot water has higher thermal energy. When a liquid has higher thermal energy, the molecules in it move faster. The food color mixed slowly in cold water because it has low thermal energy, so the molecules move slowly.

Water is an important part of our lives. We need water to survive, it helps regulate our body temperature and carries nutrients throughout our bodies and provides nourishment. This experiment helps kids learn about some of the properties of water, like water’s ability to flow without the help of external forces. Additionally, it also helps kids learn how primary colors mix to form new colors.

For more hands-on, fun science experiments for kids, check the rest of our website. We also offer a wide range of STEM activities for kids that blend learning and fun, while sparking your little one’s creativity, curiosity, and imagination.

Frequently Asked Questions on Walking Water Experiment

What are the things required for walking water experiment.

The important things required for Walking Water Experiment are blue, red, green liquid coloring agents, water, 7 cups, 6 paper towels, etc.

What is the science behind Walking Water Experiment?

The scientific reason is that kids can learn the concepts of the Walking Water Experiment which is capillary action, how does water stick to the paper towel? Why does water stay stagnant after some time?

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The Walking Water Experiment For Kids

by Science Explorers | May 24, 2019 | Blog | 0 comments

What is the walking water experiment? An activity involving two cups, some water and some scientific magic, of course! It’s the perfect, low-cost do-it-yourself experiment for you to try with your kids. If you’ve been looking for a way to introduce your children to basic science concepts through hands-on discovery, the walking water experiment will do the trick.

If you’re wondering if the walking water experiment is just for kids, it’s not! This experiment wows people of all ages. It’s never too late to unlock your inner scientist and nurture your intellectual curiosity. Your kids will love seeing how excited you are.

Keep reading to learn more about how to make water walk.

How to Make Water Walk

This experiment is extremely conservative when it comes to materials and preparation. To set up for this experiment, you will need the following:

• Two glasses of equal size
• Water (any temperature/kind of water works)
• Blue food coloring
• Paper towel

As you can see, this is a very low maintenance experiment. With almost no cleanup, this is the perfect activity to do with your children when you have some free time.

The Walking Water Experiment For Kids: Six Easy Steps

Once you have your materials together, the rest is easy. Follow these simple steps to wow your kids and show them the possibilities of science:

• Set your two identical glasses about 2 inches apart. Pour water into one of the cups until it’s halfway full.
• Add a few drops of your favorite food coloring to the water.
• Stir the food coloring until the water is one color.
• Take a strip of paper towel and fold it until it’s 1 to 2 inches wide.
• Place one end of the paper towel strip into the colored water and the other end into the empty glass. Let them sit for one hour.
• Return to the glass and observe what happened.

Spoiler alert: you will find that half of the colored water traveled to the other side of the cup! The paper towel will also be the same color as the water you started with.

The Rainbow Walking Water Experiment For Kids

If you want to take this experiment to the next level, you can take on the rainbow edition. Place seven cups two inches apart each. Then, follow these instructions:

• Fill the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th cup halfway with water.
• Add five drops of red food coloring to the 1st and 7th cup.
• Add five drops of yellow food coloring to the 3rd cup.
• Add five drops of blue food coloring to the 5th cup.

For this experiment, you need six sections of paper towel. Follow the same protocol as steps four and five from the above directions. Leave the cups alone for one hour, then return to make your observations.

Your kids will be very excited to come back to a fully formed rainbow! As the water travels from one cup to the other, the colors mix. This is also a prime opportunity to teach some art fundamentals: primary and secondary colors. The three primary colors are red, yellow and blue. Secondary colors are shades you can make from the three primary colors, like orange, green and purple.

The Science Behind the Walking Water Experiment

At first, this experiment appears to defy gravity.

How does the water get from one cup to the other? With a little bit of magic called capillary action. Essentially, the adhesive force between the paper towel and the water are more powerful than the cohesive force inside the water itself. This results in the paper towel pulling the water up. The water keeps traveling up the paper towel, across the bridge and into the other cup.

Ready to Try the Walking Water Experiment?

Now that you know how to make water walk, it’s time to introduce your kids to the magic of science. If you think your child would benefit from a more immersive science experience,   our science summer camps   might be the perfect fit. We also run   after-school science clubs   for kids demonstrating early signs of scientific interest. If your child is a budding scientist, enrolling them in our club is the best way to nurture their growing brain.

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SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS

How to make water walk.

Take a walk on the water side with this fun experiment

This animal is not on exhibit in the habitats.  It is one of our Animal Ambassadors and is used in public and school programs.

Download a PDF of this experiment

We've all walked in water, and have the soggy socks and muddy feet to prove it. But have you ever seen water walk?

With this fascinating science experiment, your kids will be able to see water "walk" from one cup to another. Using a simple setup of cups filled with water and food coloring, your budding scientists can witness how water appears to defy gravity to travel from one vessel to the next. And all without having to get their feet wet!

GATHER THIS:

• Three clear cups or jars (they should be approximately the same size)
• White paper towels
• Food coloring in various colors or beet juice

THEN DO THIS:

• Cut a paper towel in half. Then fold one piece in half lengthwise, and in half lengthwise again so you have a long strip of paper towel. Do the same with the other piece of remaining paper towel.
• Line the three cups up next to each other in a row.
• Fill the two outer cups halfway with water, and keep the middle cup empty.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the cups with water (choose two different colors).
• Place one end of the paper towel strip in the cup with water, and the other end in the empty cup. Do the same with the other paper towel strip.
• Wait and watch as the colored water “walks” from the outer cups to the middle cup. This is one walk your kids won’t get tired from!
• What did the water do when you placed the paper towel in the cup?
• What happened to the colors when they filled the middle cup?

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

The water travels through gaps in the paper towel fibers and "walks" into the empty jar. This is a process called capillary action, and is what helps water climb from a plant's roots upward to the rest of the plant and leaves.

WHAT THIS TEACHES:

Skills: Observation skills

Themes: Capillary motion, color recognition & identification

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