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Make Scented, Marbled Gift Wrap
In this science activity, kids make homemade scented wrapping paper while exploring chemistry.
Shaving cream contains soap molecules that are “surfactants.” In our activity, these surfactants keep the swirls of color from being absorbed into the solution. Thus the color can be transferred to and absorbed by the paper, while the shaving cream can be wiped away.
Materials
- Shaving cream (scented if desired) - 1 can
- Scent as desired
- Food coloring or liquid tempera paint
- Sheet of white paper - 1 per student
- Shallow baking pan or dish - 1 per student
- Spoon - 1 per student
- Paper towel sheets - 2 per student
Instructions
Spray enough shaving cream into a shallow baking pan to cover the bottom.
Add a scent as desired (extracts, essential oils and perfumes work well), then smooth the shaving cream around the pan.
Add dots of food coloring along the surface of the shaving cream about 4” apart and swirl with a spoon to create a marbled effect. Be sure not to stir too much or the colors will blend.
Place your paper on top of the swirled colors and press down, then remove and carefully blot with a paper towel to remove the shaving cream. Set aside to dry. In about an hour, you will have beautiful, scented wrapping paper!
