My favorite color exploration and science experiment is recycling markers into watercolors. And, if you are like us, I can find washable markers on tabletops or in the marker drawer of the art cart on any given day.
So before allowing it to make us crazy or tossing dried-out markers in the trash, I’ve got an exciting idea for your family to try. Recycling markers into watercolors was so fun that we did it twice! It’s one Science experiment that you do not want to breeze past.
RELATED: Want ideas for kids at home? I’ve got you covered with these 50+ play ideas for kids at home.
What can you do with dried markers?
Put dried-out markers into the water to make watercolor paint and watercolors for a sensory bin, or add the colorful water into ice cube trays to make a frozen sensory bin.
This watercolor idea got all three of my boys engaged. I have a 2.5-year-old, 4.5-year-old, and six-year-old. All three boys watched in amazement as the recycled markers transitioned to watercolors before their eyes.
Even better is that the entire setup and execution are entirely up to the child. Playing the role of the supervisor is one I am down for. – chef’s kiss! I explain in this article the importance of sensory play.
RELATED: You can also use these markers for watercolors! We added it to our list of 40+ easy painting activities for kids.
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How you bring a dried-out Crayola marker back to life
Here is how to bring dried-out Crayola markers back to life. Your child can do each step as you assist from the sidelines.
- Test out each marker.
- Set aside the markers that no longer work.
- Sort each dried-out marker by color.
- Add the colored marker facedown into a reusable container.
- Add water to each container.
- Let the marker soak. (this doesn’t take very long, but the longer you wait, the stronger the color)
- Use the new watercolors for mixing in a sensory water bin or paint on a canvas.
RELATED: Looking to introduce sensory play at home? Here is how to introduce sensory play to toddlers.
How do you revive dry Crayola markers?
I laid out nine reusable jars in front of my boys. The boys then went through our marker collection to determine whether it was dried out. The markers with ink were returned to the art cart, and the dried-out makers were sorted by color into the reusable container facedown. ColorCycle by Crayola is currently on pause, but another way to recycle dried-out markers.
RELATED: Art is a favorite way to spend the day at home with kids. Here are 20+ art supplies for kids.
Add water to the markers.
I added water to our large measuring cup and asked my preschoolers to fill each container with a steady hand. I do activities like pouring water with a steady hand on purpose.
Since I want my boys to become more self-sufficient and confident when pouring milk into cereal and tomato sauce on their spaghetti, this activity was a way to practice risk-free!
Preschool activities like these recycled markers into watercolors help prepare my preschoolers for real life. Water play is all that it is cracked up to be.
Head outside to mix colors.
Will the water turn brown? Of course. My boys were all pretty excited and couldn’t wait to dive in.
Remember, children need an opportunity to mix colors and see for themselves. They grabbed a few funnels from our outdoor sensory supplies and immediately got to work.
The next thing I overhear is three children working at a coffee shop. Proof that even when colors quickly combine to make a dark brown shade, kids persevere through play. It was delightful to overhear their coffee shop conversations.
Want to continue color mixing? Put the markers back into the water and offer colors that mix well together for the second round.
FAQ
Test out each marker.
Set aside the markers that no longer work.
Sort each dried-out marker by color.
Add the colored marker facedown into a reusable container.
Add water to each container.
Let the marker soak. (this doesn’t take very long, but the longer you wait, the stronger the color)
Use the new watercolors for mixing in a sensory water bin or paint on a canvas.
From my experience, the water does not stain clothing since it is so diluted. As always, wear older clothes to play in with a little more room to get messy.
Water sensory play is a household favorite. Here are 40 sensory bin ideas for kids to guide your play and set up instruction at home with kids.
Love this!! I can’t wait to try it
Yay! ENJOY!! 🙂
This is brilliant! We’re always going through markers and I hate throwing them out. Love this recycling idea and will definitely be doing it with my girls!
PERFECT! 🙂