Second graders mix colors!

Today, my second grade students experimented with mixing colors. We had fun and learned that primary colors (blue, yellow, red) mix to create secondary colors (orange, purple, green). This is how we explore the Arkansas State Framework (VA.5.2.4 and VA.5.2.5) for Fine Arts, grade 2.

First, we used plastic lids to trace different size of circles on our 12x18 piece of white 80lb paper. We traced with brown or black oil pastel. We used oil pastel to keep the watercolors from bleeding into circle where we did not want color. Next, we traced the outline of the circle and filled it in with watercolor. Lastly, we watched as secondary colors appeared where the circles overlapped.

I overheard my students discussing with each other what happened as the primary colors overlapped and mixed to create secondary colors! "Wow, red and blue make purple for real!" one student exclaimed.

Please take a look at the secondary colors that we created using primary colors! We think it's a bit magical!