Send Secret Messages

Here's a way to write secret messages-messages so secret, they're invisible!

You'll need:

• vinegar or lemon juice for ink
• a toothpick or paintbrush to write with
• a piece of paper
• a candle in a holder

1. Dip a toothpick or paintbrush into your invisible ink and write your message on a piece of paper. When the message is dry, the paper will look blank.
2. To read the secret message, pass the paper back and forth over the flame of the candle. Ask an adult to help with this and be sure you don't let the paper catch fire. Gradually the writing will appear.

What's happening?

Excerpt from The Jumbo Book of Science by the Ontario Science Centre, used by permission of Kids Can Press Ltd., Toronto.