Is it magic or is it science? Either way this floating drawing STEM activity is sure to impress! Create a dry erase marker drawing and watch it float in water. Learn about what dissolves in water with a totally do-able science activity for home or in the classroom. It could even be your next party trick!
HOW TO MAKE DRY ERASE MARKER FLOAT IN WATER
HOW DOES FLOATING MARKER IN WATER WORK?
This dry erase marker trick or dry erase science experiment shows off the physical properties of dry erase ink and water!
The ink in this type of marker is invaluable which means it doesn’t dissolve in water unlike the washable markers in our coffee filter flower STEAM project!
However, the ink is not as dense as the water and since it doesn’t adhere all that well to the plate’s surface (hence why it’s so easy to wipe off a board), the drawing will actually float!
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE HALLOWEEN SCIENCE PROJECTS!
FLOATING DRAWINGS
We have given this dry erase marker trick a Halloween twist but this is a fun science experiment to try any time of the year!
SUPPLIES:
- Dry erase markers
- White ceramic plate
- Water
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1. Draw creepy shapes on the plate using a dry erase marker.
STEP 2. Slowly pour a small amount of water onto the plate. The drawings will begin to float when the water touches them. If they do not lift completely, tilt the plate slightly.
TIPS FOR MAKING A FLOATING DRAWING
- Do not use too much water. If the drawing doesn’t lift, try pouring off the water and pouring less.
- Use new dry erase markers.
- Always use a completely dry plate.
- A ceramic plate with an enamel glaze was used in this experiment. Paper plates will not work. This was not tested on glass or plastic (but that would be a fun variation to try to make the experience more scientific.)
- To expand the activity, touch a piece of paper or cotton swab to the floating shapes to see what happens when they touch a dry surface.
- Smaller shapes work best. Larger designs fall apart when they begin to float.
- The entire shape should touch. If dry lines cross the shape, the pieces will lift separately.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
- Would different color dry erase markers work differently?
- Does the temperature of the water affect the shapes?
- Would fizzy water work as well?
MORE FUN EXPERIMENTS TO TRY
Click here for some spooky Halloween science experiments for kids!
DRY ERASE MARKER SCIENCE EXPERIMENT FOR KIDS
Click on the image below or on the link for tons more cool science experiments for kids.
