Make a Rainbow

Jiggly gelatin may not be a traditional canvas for color, but toddlers find this squishy art-cum-science project, in which they magically suspend tinted water in gel, absolutely irresistible.

Step 1: Boil 6 cups of water. Remove the pan from the heat and add 8 envelopes of Knox unflavored gelatin, stirring continuously until it's dissolved. Coat a 6-cup-capacity bowl with nonstick cooking spray and pour the mixture into the bowl. Refrigerate until firm (about 4 hours).

Step 2: Invert the gelatin onto a plate, tray, or cookie sheet with sides (raised edges will keep the colored water contained). If yours sticks, run a knife around the edge of the bowl to loosen it.

Step 3: Fill 3 or 4 small containers or compartments of a muffin tin with about half a cup of water each. Add 1/4 teaspoon of liquid watercolor or food coloring -- a different shade for each -- to the containers. You'll want them nice and bright so the water shows up well in the gelatin.

Step 4:Show your child how to use a plastic pipette or an eyedropper to suck up some of the water. (A pipette is a little easier for young kids to use; they're available at specialty toy stores and school supply stores, or search for "super-safe droppers" at www.discountschoolsupply.com.) Now push the pipette into the gelatin and squeeze the bulb to release the water. Experiment with different techniques: pulling out the pipette while squeezing the bulb results in a narrow stream of color, for instance.

To Extend the Fun: When she's done squirting water into the mold, let her mash it into pieces in a tub or kiddie pool. Add a cup or two of water for some really slippery fun!