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Write Invisible Love Notes
In this science activity, kids create invisible love notes for Valentine's Day while exploring camouflage and absorption.
Simple Explanation: The white crayon is camouflaged against the white background. Camouflage is often used by animals to hide in nature -- for example, white polar bears are difficult to see in the snow; green frogs are difficult to see in green trees. When you color over the writing with a marker, the message is revealed because every place where there is wax, the ink cannot be absorbed into the paper.
Additional science: Some objects, but not all, will absorb liquids. The paper absorbs the marker ink, but not the wax crayon, which is just spread on top. What are some examples of absorbent materials? (paper towels, tissue, sponges) Non-absorbent materials? (wax paper, metal, plastic) Would this project work on a non-absorbent surface?
Materials
- Sheet of white printer paper - 2 of this item per student
- Sheet of pink or red construction paper - 1 of this item per student
- Scissors - class set total
- Glue stick - class set total
- White wax crayon - 1 of this item per student
- Highligher or washable marker - 1 of this item per student
Instructions
Use the white crayon to draw on a sheet of white paper. The writing is hard to see, isn't it? This is camouflage.
Now color over the white drawing with a highlighter or washable marker. The writing is revealed! This is because wherever there is wax, the paper cannot absorb the marker ink.
To make a valentine, cut out a white heart and a slightly larger red or pink construction paper heart. Glue the white heart on top of the colorful heart. Write an invisible message on the white heart using a white crayon. Give it to someone you love on Valentine's Day, then help them reveal it using a marker.
