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In this activity, learners try to float ink on the surface of water to create a pattern and then capture it with absorbent paper. This technique, called Suminagashi, is an ancient Japanese style of decorating paper with inks and believed to be the oldest form of marbling. This art activity can introduce learners to fluid mechanics, viscosity, and surface tension.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Over $20 per student
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Tray - Watertight, bigger than paper, stable, over 2” tall, clear or white
- Water - Room temperature, tap is fine
- Black Ink - Liquid Sumi Ink
- Color Ink – “Boku Undo” Marbling
- Clear dispersant - Photo Flo
- Japanese Sumi brushes (at least two, ideally one per color)
- Paper - Absorbent, fits in tray, long fibers/doesn’t disintegrate in water
- Ink trays
- Newspaper strips
- Paper towels
- Drain/rinse/transport tray (a cookie sheet works well)
- Brush rests
- Paper for under wet paints
- Latex gloves
- Smock
- Hand fan
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
States of Matter
- Liquids
- Structure and Properties of Matter
-
States of Matter
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Arts and Crafts
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Henricks, Jessica
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Exploratorium,