Coloured rice it’s great for play and lasts long. Why not making an experiment out of it? Bubbles!

What I’ve used:

• rice;
• liquid water colours (food colouring works too, but not as vibrant)- link under gallery;
• vinegar;
• baking soda/sodium bicarbonate;
• plastic bottles;
• plastic trays from fruit packaging;
• working tray (tuff spoy).

Put a thin layer of rice in each tray as well as a spoon of baking soda and mix. In the bottles put vinegar (50 ml or so in each bottle) and add a few drops of your colour. Shake and make some holes in the lid with a hot needle.

Get child to pour solutions on the rice and let it fizz. Do not use more liquid than needed. If it’s too much just add rice after and stir. Once coloured put it to dry on a plastic bag. This can be a bit smelly so put it outside or in a ventilated bathroom. Once done, you won’t fell the smell and it will go away with each play. Store in plastic box or fabric/plastic bag.

If you want it edible use food colour.