I was looking for a quick, magical science-meets-art experiment your kids will LOVE. So, I found dry erase marker and water trick—an amazing activity where simple doodles lift off the surface and dance in water!
This viral experiment is part science, part art, and 100% kid-approved. It’s mess-free, screen-free, and only takes minutes to set up—making it the perfect rainy day, classroom, or boredom-buster activity.
What’s the Dry Erase Marker and Water Experiment?
It’s a simple experiment where you draw on a smooth surface with a dry erase marker, add water, and watch your drawings float and move around like magic! It’s a cool way to introduce kids to basic science concepts like density, solubility, and surface tension, while also encouraging creativity.
What You’ll Need
- A dry erase marker (black or colored)
- A smooth, non-porous surface – like a glass or ceramic plate, or a mirror
- A cup of water
- A spoon or straw (for optional movement fun)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Draw Your Picture
Use a dry erase marker to draw simple shapes like stick figures, hearts, stars, or smiley faces on the flat surface preferably spoon. Keep the drawings small and closed (no broken lines).
Step 2: Add Water
Take water in the plate. Dip the spoon in water tilting it slightly. You’ll start to see the drawing lift off and float on the surface!
Step 3: Watch the Magic
Once floating, you can gently tilt the plate or blow on the water to make your drawings move and dance! Kids will love making their little stick figures “swim” or float around like mini boats.
How Does It Work?
This experiment works because dry erase markers contain an oily, water-repellent ink that doesn’t stick well to smooth surfaces. When you add water, the ink separates from the surface and floats!
- Dry erase ink is made of pigment, a release agent, and a non-stick polymer.
- Water slips under the ink layer, causing it to lift and float.
- It all stays together thanks to surface tension.
Pretty cool, right?
Learning Opportunities
This experiment isn’t just fun—it’s a teachable moment too!
Kids can explore:
- Why dry erase markers float, but regular markers don’t
- How surface tension keeps the drawing together
- The difference between soluble and insoluble materials
- Cause and effect (What happens if we pour too fast? What shapes work best?)
Creative Variations
- Floating Family: Let kids draw each member of the family as floating characters!
- Color Mixing: Try using multiple colors to see which float best.
- Mini Races: Blow on your stick figures and have a “race” across the plate.
Easy Cleanup
- Just wipe the surface clean with a cloth or tissue.
- Dry erase marker washes off easily from non-porous surfaces.
Perfect For:
- Rainy day indoor fun
- Science and art combo lessons
- Birthday parties or group activities
- STEM stations at school
- Hands-on homeschool projects
Final Thoughts
The dry erase marker and water experiment is a magical way to blend science and creativity. It’s super easy, super fun, and guaranteed to get some “whoa!” reactions from kids of all ages. Try it today—you’ll be amazed at how much learning (and laughing) can come from one little marker and a splash of water!