“Magic turmeric painting experiment” was conducted by Ms.Priya,Assistant Teacher,ELC.
The experiment was first demonstrated Ms.Priya. Baking soda was mixed with water which served as an invisible ink.An image was drawn on the paper using this invisible ink. The drawn image remains invisible and it appears like a plain paper. In another bowl turmeric was mixed with sanitiser to make the magic solution. After five minutes of drying the invisible ink, the paper was painted with this magic solution and an image started appearing in bright red color.
After the demonstration, children were given materials to try the experiment.The children sat in groups and did the experiment. They made their own drawings with the invisible ink and then were excited to see beautiful images popping up in red on their paper.
The baking soda used for making the invisible ink is basic(alkaline) in nature.Images drawn on the paper using this solution remains invisible.The magic solution made using turmeric and sanitiser(alcohol) has turmeric which is a pH indicator. It changes color when it comes in contact with acid or bases.Turmeric is yellow in color and it changes to red-orange color when it comes in contact with a base. Hence,when the turmeric solution was applied over the paper which has baking soda in it,the image started to change color and the red-orange image started showing up.
Thus,the science behind the experiment was demonstrated in a simple way where children were able to follow and do it independently. The children learnt to add powder and mix with water/alcohol making solutions. They learnt to draw an image of their choice using the brush and wait patiently till their paper dried. They were able to see the magic happening while the turmeric solution was applied over their paper.
