STEAM Saturday – Floating Drawings! (9-16-23)

Dry Erase Letter Marker Experiment for Kids

Dry Erase Draw on SpoonAt Critchlow Adkins, we are all about making learning fun and engaging. Today’s STEAM activity is just that! With only four items, you can create a fascinating and entertaining lesson in density and chemistry for your little scientist. Here’s what you’ll need to create floating drawings!

  • A Clear Bowl (or other clear container)
  • A Metal Spoon
  • Water
  • Dry Erase Markers

First, fill your bowl or container with water. Next, use your dry erase markers to draw a letter, shape, or design on the back of the spoon. For the best outcome, make sure you draw with thick lines, making sure that all of your lines are connected in some way. Also, press down on your marker when you draw so that a lot of ink comes out to ensure that your shape sticks together in the water.

Dry Erase Letter Marker Experiment for KidsSlowly and gently dip your spoon in the water. The water will get under the drawing and lift it off of the spoon to float around in your bowl! Alternatively, you can draw on the inside of your bowl prior to filling it with water.

Let’s talk about the science behind this experiment. What makes it possible for your drawings to float? This happens because of a special oily silicone polymer that makes the ink slippery so that it does not stick to surfaces such as a whiteboard, metal, or glass. This oily silicon polymer allows the water to get underneath the ink, and since the ink is less dense than the water, it causes your drawing to float!

You can have lots of fun with this simple experiment. Write out your name, practice your shapes, or create a series of shapes that will turn into a full picture when floating around in the water!

Check out the full activity and more of the science behind it by visiting The Best Ideas For Kids HERE.

As always, get as creative as you want, and above all, have lots of fun learning together!

We’ll see you right back here next Saturday for another STEAM Saturday activity!  Scroll through the rest of our website to learn how Critchlow Adkins is Building Brighter Futures for the children and families we serve!

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