For Valentine’s Day, I tried this super simple science experiment with my toddler and preschooler and totally amazed them.
I’ve been anxiously waiting to share this one because it’s just so magical… well… actually, it’s science.
It’s so simple, that when I share it with you, you’ll be like, duh.
This easy STEM activity absolutely thrilled my three-year-old, and I hope it’ll help you create a little magic for your kids as well!
How to Set Up the Blooming Hearts Science Experiment
First things first, you’ll need the following supplies:
- construction paper
- scissors
- a shallow pan of water (we used a pie plate)
Cut a bunch of hearts out of construction paper. I used red, pink, and purple paper.
Next, fold the hearts like so:
- Pointy end up
- Left and right wings down over the folded pointy end
Once the hearts have been folded, you’re ready for the magic, I mean, SCIENCE part.
Performing the Blooming HEarts Science Experiment
I gathered the girls around the folded hearts and pan of water and asked what Elena what she thought might happen when we dropped the folded heart into the water.
She said, “I don’t know!”
Well, kid, you’re about to find out.
Carefully (or not so carefully in the case of a certain three-year-old) I dropped the folded paper hearts into the pan of water.
Can you guess what will happen?
You’re right! The folded hearts spring open and bloom!
Our red, pink, and purple hearts looked so pretty opening up by themselves in the pan. So perfect for a Valentine’s Day preschool activity.
Elena was so amazed. She immediately wanted to do the experiment again, so I’m glad I was prepared with a bunch of pre-folded hearts.
Pat on the back to me.
We did the activity over and over again with different sizes of paper.
We also dropped the hearts from different heights and tried the experiment with cardstock vs. construction paper hearts.
Here are my own conclusions from this experiment:
- Size doesn’t matter. They all bloomed at the same rate.
- Dropping from different heights only makes an impact in how the paper lands. If it lands upside down, it doesn’t bloom. If it lands on its side, it blooms a little more slowly.
- Cardstock hearts take longer to bloom than construction paper hearts.
- A tighter fold will make the hearts bloom more slowly.
Why the Paper Hearts Bloom
It’s pretty simple. As the paper sits in the water, it absorbs more and more water.
The fibers in the paper expand. This makes the folds in the paper flatten out and causes the folded paper heart to open up.
Not all paper is made with the same thickness of fiber. The thicker the paper, the longer it takes for it to absorb water. That’s why the cardstock hearts took longer to open than the construction paper hearts.
Your Turn for The Blooming HEarts Science Experiment
It’s a simple experiment that is exciting to watch. I actually enjoyed doing this myself.
Whether you’re looking for a quick STEM activity for kids or just trying to entertain them like I am, I think you’ll all have a blast with this one!
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