Coffee-Filter Clover Collage

crayola supplies

Markers
Glue Sticks
Construction Paper

household supplies

recycled newspaper
coffee filters
spray bottle filled with water

Why

Children explore science and shapes as they mix colors and circles to form four-leaf clovers. What a perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day or any lucky day!

Steps

1. Use blue and yellow Crayola® Washable Markers to color several coffee filters. For instance, color one side of a filter blue and the other yellow. On a second filter, mix the two colors evenly. Or try dots of both colors. Make stripes of blue and yellow on another filter. Be adventuresome with the amount and intensity of blues and yellows.
2. Cover your work area with newspaper. Spritz filters with water and watch how the colors run together to form green. Notice how the greens differ depending on the blues and yellows used. Dry.
3. Place coffee filters in the shape of a four-leaf clover. Glue the shamrock to construction paper or recycled cardboard with a Crayola Glue Stick. Draw a shamrock stem with green marker.
4. Write a St. Patrick's Day message, or wishes for luck, on your creation.

When & Where

"Children really can discover important science concepts through art! Our toddlers loved Shaping Shades of Green."
- Luz C., family child care provider.

"We hunted real four-leaf clovers and experimented with shamrock shades. Kids shared their color discoveries and mixing strategies."
- Javier H., after-school club counselor.

Interesting Info

U.S. paper money is printed in green ink because green pigment is readily available and resistant to chemical and physical changes. Furthermore, the color green is psychologically associated with strength and stability.