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Home » Primary Science » Key Stage 1 Science » Kitchen Towel Flags

Kitchen Towel Flags

Published: Jun 24, 2024 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

This simple, absorbing activity is a hands-on way to learn about the different flags of the world and can be turned into a colourful science investigation. The idea is that washable felt tip pens are used to draw a flag on one half of a kitchen towel ( kitchen roll ) sheet. The kitchen towel is then folded in half so the colours cannot be seen until the kitchen towel is placed in water. When the towel gets wet, the ink dissolves into the water and is absorbed by the kitchen towel’s top layer, revealing the flag’s colours!

We used the idea behind this activity to learn about flags for Euro 2024, but any drawing will work.

Flags of the world

You’ll need

Washable felt tip pens

Kitchen towel/kitchen roll

A plate or shallow tray.

Water

Materials needed for a paper towel absorbing activity

Instructions

Fold one sheet of kitchen towel in half. Decide which flag to draw.

Use a sharpie to draw the outline on the front fold of the kitchen towel.

Open up the kitchen towel and colour the flag on the inside.

Fold the kitchen towel again so the black outline is on the front.

paper towel flag activity

Pour a small amount of water onto a plate or tray.

Carefully place the folded kitchen towel into the water and watch the colours rise to the top, colouring in the flag outline.

France flag on kitchen towel for a science activity

If you enjoyed this activity, don’t forget to take a look at my 10 football themed STEM challenges!

magic paper towel flags science activity

Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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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.

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