flowers science experiment

Color Changing Flowers Science Experiment

I just love this color changing flowers science experiment ! It is really easy to do and the kids love watching the flowers change color. We think it is the perfect science activity for spring!

I even created printable recording sheets that kids in preschool and early elementary can use to show their observations. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of the post to get them.

Related: Walking Water Science Experiment

Color Changing Flowers Experiment

We love a good science experiment and this one did not disappoint. It was really neat to watch the flowers change colors. If you are looking for a science activity to try this spring, you should definitely give this one a go!

Supplies Needed:

• Free printable recording sheets (button to download at the bottom of this post)
• White carnations
• Liquid food coloring in a variety of colors

Instructions:

• To start you will want to trim down the stems of the flower so they fit your cups or glasses.
• Add water to each cup.
• Then put about 10-15 drops of food coloring in the water and stir around a bit.
• Add at least one carnation to each glass of colored water.
• Check in on the flowers every couple of hours and observe any changes.

Observing the Flowers Change Color

We did this color changing flower experiment in the early evening and we started to see changes within a couple of hours. Some of the flowers started showing faint streaks of color along their petals.

By the next morning, most of them were even more colorful. The flower in the purple water didn’t seem to be taking in much water, so I trimmed the stem a little more and it soon started showing more color in the petals.

The following day the color was even more vibrant.

We continued to watch the flowers over the next few days. They did get a bit brighter than the pics above, but never completely saturated in the color.

Next time, we plan to try even more food coloring to see if we get even more saturated colors. We also decided that we will try roses alongside carnations and see if one takes on the color better than the other.

There are lots of ways you can change-up the experiment. You can try doing several different flowers at once. Or you can try different amounts of food coloring.

How Do Plants Drink Water?

Plants drink water from the ground up through their roots. The water travels up the stem and into the petals of the flower. Although, our flowers didn’t have roots anymore they were still able to pull water up from the cup into the stem and up through the flower to the petals.

It is through capillary action that plants are able to defy gravity and pull water up and into their leaves and flowers.

To read more about capillary action, check out this awesome walking water science experiment !

We hope you’ll give this fun color changing flowers science experiment a try soon!

Science is Fun and Engaging for Kids!

Science experiments help foster curiosity, ignite children’s imagination and help develop a love for learning! It’s a fantastic way for kids to develop problem solving skills, critical thinking and improve fine motor skills while building confidence!

Your kids will have a blast while learning science concepts in the classroom or at home.

Other Fun 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!

Explore chromatography with this fun  chromatography science experiment  for kids!

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 !

Looking for more fun science? Your kids will love these 30 science experiments !

Flower Science Experiments & Parts of a Flower Activities

Since we talk about and see flowers starting to grow this time of year as a sign of spring and discuss the saying “April showers bring May flowers”, I like to do hands-on flower explorations with students as well as teach them the parts of a flower.

Dissecting a Flower to Learn its Parts & Their Functions

I like to do activities that help students transfer what we are learning to the real world, therefore when introducing the parts of a flower I use an actual flower and let the students closely examine each part.

I bring in a flower that I have dug up from the ground so it has its roots.  I introduce and explain each part of the flower and their functions using our word wall cards as a reference.

I keep the explanations simple so my young ones can understand.

Stem : The stem carries the water and food (nutrients and minerals) to the rest of the flower. It travels up the stem to the other parts of the flower.

Flower :  The flowers are the part that are responsible for making food.

Leaf :  The leaves are attached to the stem and help catch sunlight and air for the flower. The leaves have little holes that let out the water that the plant is done using. This makes room for more water to come rushing up through the stem. .

Roots :  The roots grow in the ground and pull in the water and nutrients to the flower.  They also help keep the flower stable.

Petal :  The petals attract insects towards the plant to pollinate them.

I then have the students assist in labeling the parts of the flower.

To check individual comprehension, I upload a photo of the flower (without the label cards) to Pic Collage and set this simple page with the parts of a flower word bank as the background. Students use the text tool to label the parts of the flower using the word bank for assistance.

The next activity is dissecting the flower into its parts.  As I cut apart the flower, the students tell me the part and its function.  Then, I place the parts in a sorting tray in a center with magnifying glasses.  Students visit the center and are able to closely observe, touch, and smell the different parts.

After students have observed the different parts of the flower, they use the label cards to label each section. I hold them accountable by having them take a photo and upload it to their Seesaw journals.  Once in Seesaw, they record what they learned about the parts of a flower so I can check their understanding and know if we have to review anything.

The Parts of a Flower Craftivities

I love incorporating crafts into our learning! This craft allows students to create each part of the flower.

To make the flower we paint a paper plate. I let students choose between using washable paint or Dot Painters .

While the plates are drying, students color or paint soil for the roots along the bottom of a piece of blue paper and either paint a stem and leaves or cut out a stem and leaves from green construction paper.

After the paper plate flowers are dry, students cut petals by cutting from the outside edge in to the inner circle in increments around the plate. Then they fold them up to resemble petals.

When doing this with older students I have them cut “Vs” around the plate to create more pronounced flower petals.

Next, students glue the flower onto the blue paper. Then they glue on small pieces of white yarn in the soil for roots.

I then have students use the labeling cards to show me the parts of their flowers.

When running short on time (which happens when doing crafts lol), I have students take photos of their flowers, upload it to their Seesaw journals and use the label tool to label the parts of their flower.

Parts of a Flower Puzzle Activity

This is a fun activity that students always love! I cut out the parts of a flower from construction paper, place them in a center along with labeling cards.  Students have to put the flower puzzle together and label its parts.

Technology has allowed me to hold students accountable by having them upload a photo of their completed puzzles to their Seesaw journals and then record what they know about each part of the flower.

How Flowers Drink Experiment

I like doing this experiment every year because it shows students how plants get water from their roots all the way up to their leaves and flower.

I have tried various white flowers over the years, but find that carnations seem to work the best.  Here is how I do the experiment:

Cut the stems of the carnations at an angle about 3-4 inches from the bottom. Florists often advise to cut flowers under running water so that no air bubbles get in to break the stem tubes of water and cause wilting. It’s important that the stem tubes always be filled with water so if you are not starting the experiment right away put the flower stems in plain water or wrap them in a wet paper towel.

Fill each container (water bottles work great!) about half way with water and drop 10-20 drops of food coloring in each bottle.  Place the flowers in the water.

We observe the flowers at the end of the school day and can see a little bit of color around the outer edges. However, we really notice color the next morning and even more after 48 hours. The students can’t wait to check them each day!

After observing the flowers for several days we discuss the results. I introduce some bigger vocabulary to them when we talk about the science behind the experiment, but I basically just want them to understand that the water travels up the stem to the leaves and all parts of the flower.  Here is a simple explanation:

The Science Behind It:

This experiment demonstrates how plants use capillary action to draw water up their stems. Capillary action is the process in which a liquid, like water, moves up something solid, like the tubes (xylem) in the stem.  The leaves and petals help pull the water up the xylem through transpiration. The leaves and petals have little holes that let out the water that the plant is done using. This makes room for more water to come rushing up through the stem.

I have students record their observations by coloring the carnations on their recording page (I created pages with the carnations already drawn to make it easier for my young students).  Then they write what they learned along the bottom.

After getting iPads, students were able to take actual photos of the results and upload them to Pic Collage. I love how this teaches them to use technology as a tool to record results, observations, and conclusions!

Flower Play Dough Activities

Another favorite activity of students during our flower unit is getting to play with flower scented play dough.  It is simple to make, just add a few drops of flower scented oil such as lavender (which is a calming scent), lilac, rose, etc. to your favorite play dough recipe along with a few drops of food coloring to color it like a flower.

Students can press the flower parts from the dissecting a flower activity into the play dough, use green play dough and white yarn to make the parts of a flower, or use it for math practice.

Parts of a Flower Activity Pages

I also use these activity pages to help students learn the parts of a flower and assess their understanding.

If you would like to use the printables, activities, word wall cards, label cards, play dough recipe, and more with your students they are available in my Plants & Flowers Science Activities resource .  It also includes experiments for plants & seeds, step by step directions with photos for easy set-up, plant journal pages, and more. Click here to see complete details and photos of each activity.

Have engaging science experiments and STEM activities throughout the entire school year with this money-saving Science & STEM Bundle !

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I’m Tina and I’ve taught preK and K for 20+ years. I share fun and creative ideas that spark your students’ love for learning. 

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Colour Changing Flowers Science Experiment - A fun science project for kids

MORE FUN SCIENCE PROJECTS FOR KIDS

Colour changing flowers science experiement for preschoolers.

Supplies needed for the colour changing flowers science experiment

• White flowers
• Glass jars (we used baby food jars)
• Liquid water colour or food colouring

What are the best flowers to use for the colour changing flower experiment?

How to set up the colour changing flowers experiment 

Step 1: get your supplies ready for the flower experiment and predict what will happen.

STEP 2: Fill glass jars with coloured water

STEP 3: Prepare the flowers

Step 4: place the flowers into the coloured water .

How long does it take to change the colour of a flower with food colouring or liquid watercolour?

The science behind the colour changing flowers science experiment. 

Cool Science Experiments for Preschoolers (and older kids too!)

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Transpiration Experiment – Colour Changing Flowers

May 7, 2024 By Emma Vanstone 26 Comments

Do you know you can change the colour of white flowers by placing them in a pot of food colouring and water? This easy colour-changing flower science experiment is great for learning about transpiration and transport in plants .

Easy Transpiration Experiment

How to make colour-changing flowers

You’ll need.

White flowers

Food colouring – we’ve found Wilton gel colours work well. Natural food colourings DO NOT work in our experience.

Small jar or vase

Transpiration experiment – instructions

Trim the flowers at the stalks.

Fill a vase or jar with water and add a little food colouring.

Place the flowers in the jar and leave for a few hours.

Usually, you will see the flowers change colour within a few hours.

Extra Transpiration Challenges

Try carefully splitting a stem in half with a sharp knife ( ask an adult to do this )

Place one half of the stem in one colour water and the other in a different colour. After a few hours, you should have a flower two different coloured petals!

What is Transpiration?

The white petals change colour because of something called the transpiration stream . Transpiration is the movement of water up the stem of a plant from root to leaf when water is lost from the plant due to evaporation and diffusion of water from a plant’s surface. Firstly, water is absorbed by the root and moves through root hair cells via the process of osmosis . It then moves into the xylem vessel, which is the tube that carries the water up the stem. Water moves up the xylem vessel by adhesion (being attracted to the side of the vessel) and cohesion (water molecules being attracted to each other).

When water evaporates from the surface of the leaves, the pressure change pulls the column of water upwards to replace the water lost. There’s a constant transpiration stream of water through the plant.

The best way to consider this is to imagine you have a thick milkshake – the straw can’t carry the milkshake up itself, but if you suck from the top, the milkshake is sucked up the straw. It moves in a column because water molecules are attracted to each other.

What affects the speed of transpiration?

The rate of transpiration is affected by environmental factors

Factors affecting transpiration

Transpiration is faster when there’s more sunlight. Stomata ( tiny pores on the surface of a plant ) close when it’s dark as they don’t need to be open when photosynthesis is not happening. Photosynthesis also needs sunlight. When the stomata are closed, water cannot escape from the plant’s surface.

Temperature

Transpiration happens at a faster rate in higher temperatures. In warm weather, water particles evaporate and diffuse through the stomata faster, increasing the transpiration rate.

Air movement around the plant

When airflow around a plant is good, transpiration is faster as the water vapour that has just diffused and evaporated from the leaf is moved away, increasing the concentration gradient between the air and the inside of the leaf. Diffusion is faster when the concentration gradient is more significant.

The effect of increasing airflow on the rate of transpiration can be demonstrated using celery, food colouring, water and a hair dryer!

What food colouring should I use?

We have found that natural food colours don’t work, but these Wilton gel colours work every time.

If you liked this experiment, don’t forget to try my other plant science experiments .

Contains Affiliate Links

Last Updated on September 17, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

September 26, 2011 at 8:55 pm

I did this for my kids this summer. We used daisy’s…it didn’t work. I have done it with carnations before and it worked, but not sure why daisy’s didn’t work!

October 12, 2011 at 9:13 pm

I think the stem structure can vary somewhat and only certain flowers work effectively. Definitely try carnations next time!

September 28, 2011 at 8:50 am

Thanks for the tip! I’m going to try this one out!

September 29, 2011 at 6:12 pm

It is great! x

September 28, 2011 at 1:32 pm

Yet another fabulous experiment to explore with children! I remember always wanting to try this but never getting round to it.. I WILL with my kids! 😉

Thank you for liking to Kids Get Crafty!

Thanks Maggy

September 30, 2011 at 9:47 pm

You have so many great ideas on your blog. I would love if you would link some of them up to my Weekend Wonders blog hop!

October 12, 2011 at 9:18 pm

Is that a Sat or a Sunday? Can you send us the link, as that would be great! Thanks for stopping by, we are so pleased you like it! 🙂

October 01, 2011 at 6:52 am

I don’t know of a child that doesn’t find this utterly fascinating! It’s such a great idea! I have to have a go at this with Little One!

Thank you for linking up to #handmadethursday x

October 12, 2011 at 9:19 pm

Thank you kindly! Let us know if you do have a go! 🙂 x

October 03, 2011 at 9:43 pm

What a great experiment! Will definitely be giving this one a go! Well done girls, another simple but fun experiement my children will love.

Thank you lovely! x

October 04, 2011 at 11:02 am

I love this experiment – it works really well in the spring as well with Daffodiles we always used to have multi coloured daffs in the house in spring.

October 04, 2011 at 12:33 pm

Thank you! We will definitely have a go with daffodils in the spring.

October 06, 2011 at 8:42 pm

thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday!

October 12, 2011 at 9:12 pm

Thank you so much. We will stop by. If you have craft posts yourself come and link to our fun sparks on a Thursday! 🙂

October 12, 2011 at 9:17 pm

We are all linked up so thank you! A beautiful sea or turquoise if ever I saw!

January 02, 2012 at 4:44 pm

I remember doing these as a kid with my grandmother – so fun! Thanks for reminding me to do them with my own kids!

January 02, 2012 at 7:55 pm

oh wow! Thats great. It is a really fab experiment! x

January 09, 2012 at 9:39 pm

How long does it take for you to see the change in color?

January 09, 2012 at 10:54 pm

Usually by the end of the day!

March 12, 2012 at 6:28 am

Wondering…If I dye 6 carnations, seperately, a different color each (like the colors of the rainbow), could I then combine them in one vase of plain water after the petals have changed color?

November 05, 2012 at 1:03 am

Hi I tried this but it didn’t work I used a white flower or should I wait longer.

November 05, 2012 at 8:39 am

Make wait longer, or make your coloured solution stronger. Good luck.

January 30, 2014 at 9:23 pm

This is really interesting – am sure my boys would really love this.

April 17, 2018 at 9:56 am

It is a very colourful science topic and also interesting to play around with it

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Flower Science Experiments

With these flower science experiments , kids can dive into the amazing world of botany! Through hands-on exploration and observation, kids will learn about plant growth and development.

They’ll be able to observe firsthand how plants interact with their environment. As they explore different parts of a flower, they’ll gain an understanding of its importance in nature.

If your young botanists love these flower experiments, you can also check out this list of fun flower activities for kids .

You and your child can marvel together at each new discovery made during these exciting lessons! Your kid will have so much fun as they become more knowledgeable on the wonders of flowers – all while learning through play. Plus, parents don’t need any special equipment or prior experience to get started!

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.

See a list of my favorite Amazon Deals for your home and homeschool.

Why don’t all plants have flowers?

Many kids love picking fresh flowers in the springtime and thinking about how beautiful they are, but what kids don’t realize is that not all plants have flowers.

Botany tells us that while some plants produce gorgeous blooms, others such as conifers and grasses don’t require flowers at all. Instead, these non-flowering plants typically rely on wind or tiny bugs to carry around their pollen to other similar plants.

So even though kids may think all plants have flowers, they must remember that nature is quite diverse and there is a huge variety of plants everywhere.

See these bubble paint flowers for more flower fun.

Recommended Flower Craft Kits

If your child is into arts and crafts, you’ll love these flower craft kits that will help them enhance their creativity and fine motor skills.

Recommended Spring Activity Kits

If you are looking for ways to enjoy while educating your kids and that is fitting for these flower science experiments, these activity kits are perfect for that matter and your kids will learn a lot from them.

Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Spring

Spring is here and learning doesn’t have to be a chore. Get this huge pack of printable learning activities from math worksheets to alphabet puzzles.

NatGeo Flower Growing Kit

With this complete set, kids will have fun decorating their pots, then planting cosmos, nasturtium, and zinnia seeds. The included peat pellets make growing a flower garden easy!

With the warmer weather comes flowers! This list of flower science experiments will teach your kids about STEM and stems -- literally!

Color Changing Flowers Experiment

Learn about how plants drink water with capillary action in this super-fun color-changing flowers experiment where the flowers burst into a rainbow of color!

Flower Pigment Experiment

See how flowers differ in colors with this simple yet mind-boggling experiment! If your kids got a keen eye, maybe they will be able to tell the difference.

The Science Behind Keeping Flowers Fresh

Does your kid pick flowers and put them in water and wonder why they die so quickly? This experiment will show how the manner of cutting stems differs in keeping flowers alive and fresh!

Glowing Flowers

This trial-and-error experiment will keep your kids on their toes! So many questions to be asked too, so prepare yourself for answers!

Magic Opening Flowers

Magic opening flowers are a brilliant super simple science investigation using just paper and water. The folded paper flowers open up as the paper absorbs the water. They are a great way to learn about capillary action and the transport of water in plants too.

Bicolor Flowers Kids' Science

This science experiment is trickier than just the one-colored changing flowers experiment as this requires 2 stems to work! Ask your kids how do they think this will work.

Fun Flower Science Experiment

With just aluminum foil, paper towels, and a hammer, your kid will see the pigment from a flower in an instant! Remember to guide your kids when using a hammer!

Flower Solution Experiment

If you're looking to keep your flowers fresh for the spring season, let your kids test different solutions to see which solution would keep the flowers fresh longer.

Plastic Flowers Science Experiment

Let your kids have fun observing art with science! Experiment and craft at the same time with these plastic flowers.

3 in 1 Flower Activities For Preschoolers and Spring Science

Get ready to add these simple flower activities for preschoolers with real flowers to your spring theme lesson plans this season.  If you want to explore parts of a flower and how ice melts with your kids, read this blog post!

Fizzy Flower Experiment

I know most of us love the fizzy experiments! With this flower-themed fizz experiment, your kids are going to be curious about how the fizzes work!

Flower Crystals

Making crystals with borax is easy and fun. Grab a couple simple materials and grow your own crystals in just 1 day.  This fun science project is simple so kids can enjoy the wonder of exploring and trying new things.

Pulling together scientific concepts and new learning experiences, exploring science with flower experiments is a great way to foster a fun and inquisitive atmosphere for kids.

It’s also important to consider your child’s age when selecting an experiment because the results will vary for different ages. Ultimately these experiments are a fantastic way of having fun while learning and developing skills that will help children as they grow.

So if you’re looking for a creative and engaging way to teach young minds about science and nature, starting with flower experiments is a great way to start!

More Flower Activities

Flower Sensory Soup

Flower Activities for Kindergarten

Flower Activities for Preschoolers

Toilet Paper Roll Flower Painting Activity

Color Mixing Art Flower Activity by STEAMsational

Washi Tape Flower Wreath by 3 Dinosaurs

I share educational printables and activities to help homeschoolers make learning science fun and engaging!

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