How to Do the Paper Worm Experiment
You only need a few simple supplies to make this easy paper worm experiment that's perfect for kids and curious minds. And watch for the exciting colour reveal at the end!
Yield: 1 paper worm
Cost: $1
Equipment
- Drinking straw (or pencil, skewer, etc)
Materials
- Paper towel
- Washable markers
- Glue stick
- Black Sharpie marker (or other permanent marker)
- Water
Instructions
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Draw the inside colours
- Start by setting down a piece of paper towel with the long side facing you. We recommend placing the paper towel on a placemat or extra piece of paper to protect your working surface from the markers.
- Use a coloured washable marker to draw vertical lines from the top of the paper towel down to the middle. Space the lines just over 1 inch apart.
- Now draw lines in between the previous ones with a complementary colour of washable marker.
Step 3: Roll the paper towel
- Flip the paper towel upside down, so that the marker lines are at the bottom and they face your working surface.
- Set a drinking straw or pencil at the bottom center of the paper towel.
- Begin rolling the paper towel around the straw. Roll it somewhat tightly, but leave enough slack that you'll be able to remove the straw later on. Stop rolling when there's about 1 inch of paper towel left.
- Apply glue stick to the unrolled part of the paper towel.
- Continue, rolling the paper towel into the glue and pressing it down to secure it.
Step 4: Draw the outside pattern and scrunch it up
- Grab a black Sharpie or another type of permanent marker. Use this to draw a pattern of lines or dots across the rolled up paper towel.
- Hold the center of the paper towel in place as you begin scrunching up one side, bringing it in towards the middle.
- Repeat on the other side until the "worm" is as small as possible.
- Remove the straw from the center of the paper towel roll, being careful to keep the worm as small and scrunched up as possible.
Step 5: Just add water!
- Set your worm on a plate or another dish. A rimmed baking sheet or pie plate will work well. Now pour a little bit of water on top of the worm. You'll start to see it growing right away!
- Allow the worm to sit in the water for a few seconds. It will continue to grow and you'll begin to see the marker colours showing through! If your worm still has dry spots, add a bit more water.
- Eventually your worm will be fully grown and you'll clearly see the colours. Your paper worm experiment is complete!
Video
Notes
Looking for more fun and easy bug crafts? Here's a few of our favourites:
Wiggly Worm Puppets
Easy Caterpillar Craft
Plastic Spoon Bug Craft