This simple experiment with cabbage leaves and food colouring is a great way for you to describe to your children how plants take up water and nutrients.
You can ask your children to make predictions at the beginning about what will happen.
To begin the experiment, just fill a clear cup, jar or bottle halfway with water and add a few drops of food colouring. Put the cabbage leaf into the container with the stalk facing down and wait as the stalk starts to take up the colours.
Take photos of the cabbage leaves throughout the day to compare the different stages. This is a great opportunity to talk about life cycles and growing, and you may find your children want to take this further and start growing their own flowers or vegetables in the garden.
