Here is a coffee filter science experiment children can try out at home. Coffee filter chromatography for kids is not only easy to do but also a great creative activity.  Why not create your own magical flower bouquet or gift a flower greeting card to someone?

Materials needed

• Washable markers

• 3 White coffee filters (per bouquet)

• 1 cup of water per coffee filter

• Rubber band

• Optional*-Vase for decoration

Prepare the filter

• Flatten out a coffee filter on a plate.

• Scribble the filter with washable markers. Or alternatively, you can choose one washable marker per coffee filter to create a rainbow bouquet. You will need six different filters one of each colour – e.g. green, blue, yellow, red, orange, purple. 

• Fold the coffee filter in half, another fold making a 1/4 all the way to a 1/8 fold.

• Fill a glass with a little bit of water. Essentially, the cone tip of the coffee filter just needs to be in contact with the water. 

• Let the coffee filter tip soak in the water. You will notice that the water begins to flow up the paper. 

• After the coffee filters have dried, you are ready to assemble your flowers.

Let’s make a flower

• Once you have your coffee filters coloured, gather each one in the centre and twist it tight. This will gather the top and give it a bunched look.

• Make your bouquet with approximately 3 coffee filter flowers (or more)  to create a bouquet shape.  

• Secure the filters in place using a rubber band. 

• Tape a straw to hold the bouquet shape. 

• Place the bouquet in a vase – or repeat steps to create more bouquets. Alternatively, you can attach your flower to the front of a card or gift to decorate it.

The science behind the coffee filter experiment

Once the water gets to the coloured areas, it will start to spread creating beautiful designs and patterns.

You only need to place the tip of the filter in the water to start this process and to prevent the paper from getting soggy and breaking apart.

Don’t forget to share this awesome science experiment with your friends and family. 

Did you like this chromatography for kids experiments? We can’t wait to see the awesome designs inspired by this coffee filter science experiment – email us on contact@inquibox.com or tag us in socials @inquibox and we would love to feature them on our socials.

Extra reading: check out our posts on 5 wild chemistry science experiments that will blow your mind and our blog on 11 interesting videos about space.