(NC) -- To unleash creativity and encourage scientific inquiry, it's important to stimulate a child's mind with exploration and play. Often, this is as simple as turning to your own kitchen cupboards.

Baking soda, for example, along with other household products, is a key ingredient for activities and projects. Rain or shine, for birthdays or class projects, the options are endless. You can make watercolours, play clay, magic beans and the well-known erupting volcano. With adult supervision, kids can be given creative license for fun all day.

To make simple watercolour paint with baking soda, follow these easy instructions:

What you need:

2 tablespoons Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

2 tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons sugar

1 packet dry unsweetened drink mix (any flavour)

2 tablespoons water

How to make it:

1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

2. Add water and stir until fizzing stops; different drink mix flavours will give you different colours.

3. For more intense watercolour, a few drops of food colouring can be added to the mix.

4. Paint with them right away, or pour into jar lids or a plastic tray and let harden for future use.

More ideas can be found at www.armandhammerbakingsoda.ca.