STEAM NightStation operators · prep and learn

✉️ Secret Messages

Write a message that appears like magic. Draft: not yet checked

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Watch how it is done

Two short videos. Tap one to play it.

  1. Now playingWrite Secret Messages With Invisible InkScience Buddies
  2. Now playingMake Your Own Secret InkSciShow Kids

Videos play from YouTube, made by other people.

⏳ Needs time to bake

Paint the turmeric papers ahead and let them dry flat. Drying time: to be confirmed.

Quick start

  1. Dip a swab in the "secret ink" (baking soda water).
  2. Write a message or draw on the yellow paper. It shows up red. Or write on plain paper, give it to a friend, and they brush it to reveal.
  3. Let it dry flat on your tray.

Ask, instead of explaining: What happens if we write a message to a friend and let them decode it?

Learn: the idea

Turmeric (a yellow spice) is a color-changer. When it touches something basic like baking soda water, it turns red. So a message you can't see turns into one you can!

Prep
  • Adults paint turmeric papers in fresh air, no flames. Dry flat.
  • Mix clear baking soda water.
  • Put up the stain warning. Hand out smocks.

Crew for prep: 2 people, about 1.5 hr. Prep happens ahead of time: see Needs time to bake.

During the event: 2 volunteers. Setup about 15 min. One gives the stain warning and smocks

Tips

  • Pre-make the "decoder" papers. Brush turmeric-in-rubbing-alcohol onto paper and let it dry the night before. Kids never touch the turmeric liquid, which is what stains clothes.
  • The kid writes with a cotton swab dipped in clear baking-soda water. Or reverse it: they write with baking soda on plain paper and "decode" with a turmeric swab, but that's messier.
  • Keep the "message for a buddy" loop going. Kids loved writing a message, handing it off, and having the buddy decode it.
  • Put up a stain warning sign, and use borrowed smocks.
Safety
  • Turmeric stains clothes: smocks on.
  • Adults handle the rubbing alcohol, far from flames.
  • Make sure it has dried before kids touch it.
Turbo (only if we choose to)
  • No-stain UV version: write with a UV invisible-ink pen, or with a swab of tonic water, and reveal it under a blacklight. It's also the fix for the staining complaints.
Clean up
  • Wipe the table and put reusable items in your tote.
  • Bag the trash and wash hands.
  • Log anything borrowed so it can go back.