Creative Dry-Erase Marker Floating Activity Ideal for Kid's Entertainment
The Floating Dry Erase Marker Experiment is a captivating chemistry and physical science activity suitable for children in kindergarten to fifth grade. This hands-on science project offers an engaging way to explore key concepts such as density, solubility, and surface tension.
Materials Needed
- Expo or other dry erase markers
- Water
- A smooth ceramic plate (glazed surface)
- Optional: cotton swab or small piece of paper
How to Conduct the Experiment
- Draw a simple shape on the completely dry plate using a new, juicy dry erase marker.
- Carefully add a small amount of water to the plate.
- Observe as the drawing floats on the water surface.
What the Experiment Demonstrates
Density
When the ink is drawn or placed on a smooth surface and then interacts with water, the ink’s components, which are less dense or immiscible with water, float on top rather than sinking. This helps students see how substances with lower density than water can stay afloat or spread on the surface.
Solubility
The ink in dry erase markers is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water and does not dissolve in it easily. This property stops the ink from mixing into the water, allowing it to remain visible on the surface or float as a "film" instead of dispersing.
Surface Tension
The surface tension of water supports the floating ink, preventing it from immediately sinking or blending in. The strong cohesive forces at the water surface hold the ink molecules together, enabling the floating effect to be visible and stable enough for observation.
Additional Insights
- Unlike washable markers, dry erase markers do not dissolve in water due to their unique chemical makeup.
- The ink floats because it is less dense than water.
- The principle behind the floating drawing is not explained in the paragraph.
Extension and Related Experiments
- Don't flood the plate with water, less water is more effective.
- More ready-to-go science projects can be found in the Printable Science Projects Pack.
- A printable instruction and observation sheet for the floating ink science experiment is available for download.
- The scientific method, writing a hypothesis, and choosing variables can be learned through this activity.
- The experiment provides an opportunity to explore related science concepts such as Density Experiments, Surface Tension Science, and Buoyancy.
- Additional related science experiments include the Floating M Experiment, Sink or Float Test, Shark Buoyancy, Foil Boat Challenge, Salt Water Egg Float, Density Tower, and Coffee Filter Flower.
By conducting this experiment, children can directly observe these properties and gain a better understanding of fluids and materials. Enjoy exploring the world of science with the Floating Dry Erase Marker Experiment!
[1] [Source 1] [5] [Source 5]
- The Floating Dry Erase Marker Experiment is an intriguing activity that combines chemistry and physical science, catering to kids in kindergarten to fifth grade.
- This experiment offers a hands-on learning opportunity, allowing children to understand key concepts like density, solubility, and surface tension.
- By adding water to a dry erase marker drawing on a ceramic plate, kids can observe how the drawing floats due to the ink's hydrophobic properties and lower density compared to water.
- Exploring surface tension through the floating ink demonstrates how cohesive forces at the water surface keep the ink from sinking.
- By conducting this experiment, kids can deepen their understanding of fluids and materials through fun, education-and-self-development activities like online-learning.
- The Floating Dry Erase Marker Experiment can also serve as a platform to teach the scientific method, such as formulating a hypothesis, choosing variables, and conducting experiments.
- This experiment is a stepping stone for further projects in art, biology, physics, earth science, and chemistry, like the Floating M Experiment, Sink or Float Test, Shark Buoyancy, and many more.
- Enhance your child's learning journey by trying out various science projects, fostering a love for science and play.
