Pollination Crafts: Coffee Filter Butterflies/Flowers

Ages: 6-12

Location: Indoors

Objective: Students will:
· make colorful butterflies or flowers while observing capillary action on filter paper

Service Department Represented:
· Pollination

Materials:
· coffee filters or other filter paper cut into the shape of a butterfly or a flower with a small hole in the center made with the tip of a pencil
· wicks made of cones of filter paper
· water soluble markers
· small paper cups

Procedure:
1. Hand the children a butterfly/flower (depending on age and time they may cut their own shapes in the filter paper). Put names on the butterflies using a pen.

2. Use the markers to decorate the filter paper with lines and dots (Black markers are the most spectacular, but the other colors are also nice.)

3. After the butterflies are decorated poke the cone shaped wick into the hole (instructors may need to assist with this).

4. Pour water into the cups and place the butterflies on the cup so that the wick hangs down into the water.

5. Let the children watch as the colors start to spread across the butterflies. Once the color has reached the edges, remove the butterfly from the water and place it on a paper towel to dry.