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On the morning of Thursday, April 25, we will have several field trips on site. Please anticipate large groups and a busier campus!

We will also close at 12 PM on Wednesday, April 24 and Thursday, April 25. Please check our Hours & Admission page for changes to our operating hours.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS

HOW TO MAKE BLOWN ART

Here's a science experiment for kids that will take their breath away

Person blowing air
Streaks of paint
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This animal is not on exhibit in the habitats. It is one of our Animal Ambassadors and is used in public and school programs.

Breathing. Everybody does it! We need it to provide oxygen for our bodies. We also blow out air to inflate balloons and give flight to dandelions.

In this experiment, kids will use straws to blow different consistencies of paint across paper to observe and investigate air, inertia and the properties of liquids. And create a one-of-a-kind work of art in the process!

GATHER THIS:

  • Straws
  • Tempera paint
  • Cups or bowls
  • Water
  • Eyedropper or small spoons
  • Heavy paper or cardstock

THEN DO THIS:

  1. Pour tempera paint into 2 or 3 different cups and dilute with water to varying consistencies: Thick, medium and very watery.
  2. Use an eyedropper or small spoon to place a little bit of each of the three paint samples onto your paper.
  3. Use a straw to carefully blow paint in different directions to create an interesting design.
  4. Now, take a breath and admire your creation!

ASK THIS:

  • Is it harder or easier to make the paint move when it's more diluted? Less diluted?
  • What happens to the color of the paint when you dilute it and blow it across paper?
  • What would happen if you used different size straws?

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

By pushing and pulling air through the straws, kids are experiment with air pressure to make paint move or change direction.

WHAT THIS TEACHES:

Skills: Fine motor skills, observation, scientific method

Themes: Forces, viscosity, inertia

ADOPT AN ANIMAL

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guests by sponsoring an animal of your choice for a year.

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LOCATION

1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
Ohlone Land Acknowledgement
650-342-7755
[email protected]

CuriOdyssey is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Tax ID 94-1262434

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The gold standard for animal care and welfare.
ASTC Member. Association of Science and Technology Centers.
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