Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and the Earth’s surface is 71% water. How do you imagine the water inside of you is moving or changing? The water on Earth moves in various ways — currents move water down rivers and across oceans, the water cycle evaporates water into the sky and rains it down on plants and animals. Water also seeps deep into the ground and can even erode rock! Water can defy gravity, wicking its way up porous materials like wood, fabric or paper. Today, we use that wicking property to move color up a paper river.
Supplies
- Water
- Scissors
- Blue markers (different shades)
- Paper towel, coffee filter, or other paper
- Small dish for water
- Thread or fine wire
Instructions
Step 1: Cut your paper to the length and width you want (six inches or less works best).
Step 2: On one end of your paper, make a few small blocks of color with your markers right near the edge.
Step 3: Hang your paper above your water dish with the end just touching the surface of the water.
Step 4: Watch as the liquid flows up the paper and pulls the ink upwards with it.
Explore
Experiment with different kinds of papers. What types of paper does the water move up the fastest? How does this change the spread of the ink?
To watch this process visit youtube.com/PeabodyEssexMuseum
Show Us!
We want to see your rising rivers. Share your photos online using #PEMpod or #peabodyessex