Materials
2 boxes of gelatin in contrasting colors (such as yellow and purple)
plastic serrated knives
2 large mixing bowls
2 jelly roll pans or any medium-sized pan (9" x 13") with sides
2 mixing spoons
small individual plates
2 serving spoons
Instructions
1. Make the gelatin according to the package instructions (reduce the amount of
liquid so the gelatin will be more firm most gelatin boxes have directions for
this). Involve the children in every step of the process. Safety Note: Adults
should add the boiling water to the gelatin. Read the package instructions
aloud and use the proper terms for measuring.
2. Pour the two different colors (yellow and purple, for example) of gelatin in
separate pans. Put the gelatin in the refrigerator until it sets (see the package
instructions for the amount of time needed).
3. Remove the gelatin from the refrigerator and place in the middle of a low
table.
4. Help the children take turns using a plastic serrated knife to cut the gelatin
into small equal-size cubes.
5. Place the yellow gelatin cubes into one bowl and the purple gelatin cubes into
the other.
6. Have the children wash their hands and seat themselves around the table.
Give each child a small plate and a napkin.
7. Ask them to place two yellow cubes and two purple cubes on their plate.
Invite them to make a pattern with the cubes: yellow, purple; yellow, purple.
8. Continue making patterns until all the gelatin cubes are gone.
9. Older children will be more challenged if you add another color and make
patterns with three colors.
