Floating Egg Science Experiment

Do you want to try an easy science project with your child? You are going to love this Floating Egg Science Experiment. It’s simple, fun, and a great way to show early learners some fascinating science concepts. It only requires a few supplies that you likely already have at home.

If you’re looking for even more activities like this one, check out my page on Simple Homeschool Science Experiments. It’s full of engaging and easy projects that are perfect for kids.

I’m sharing how we explored the science behind the floating egg activity. It’s a fantastic visual experiment that’s quick to set up and provides lots of “wow” moments. Keep reading to see how to set up this hands-on learning adventure at home.

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.

Three Interesting Facts About Eggs

Eggs are rich in interesting features that make them ideal for science experiments and cooking. Here are three astonishing facts about eggs:

• An eggshell is porous, allowing air and moisture to pass through it.
• As eggs age, they gain more air inside, which changes whether they float or sink.
• Eggs are rich in protein, making them vital to many meals.

Recommended Science Books

If you love keeping science fun and fresh, you’ll want to add a few great science books to your collection. They make bringing exciting science experiments and ideas easy into your kitchen or backyard.

Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Experiments from Around the House (Volume 4) (Lab for Kids, 4)Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Smithsonian 10-Minute Science Experiments: 50+ quick, easy and awesome projects for kidsReal Chemistry Experiments: 40 Exciting STEAM Activities for Kids (Real Science)Steve Spangler’s Super-Cool Science Experiments for Kids: 50 mind-blowing STEM projects you can do at homeThe Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids: Over 75 Recipes & Science Experiments for Kids, A STEM Cookbook for Young Scientists that Transforms the Kitchen into a Food Lab for Learning

 

How do you explain the sink and float experiment?

The floating egg activity teaches a fun and simple concept in science: density. Density refers to the amount of matter or substance packed into a given space. When something is more dense than water, it sinks. When it’s less dense, it floats.

In this case, adding salt to the water increases the density of the water. When the salt water becomes denser than the egg, the egg floats. It’s a terrific way to show kids how materials interact and how changing one thing, like adding salt, can alter the outcome.

Will the Egg Float or Sink?

Eggs are the perfect material for this experiment because they have just the right weight and shape. Fresh eggs typically sink in regular tap water because they are denser than the water.

However, when you change the density of the water by adding salt, something amazing happens. Eggs are sturdy enough to withstand the experiment without breaking easily, making them ideal for young learners to observe science in action without any concerns.

Recommended Science Printable Packs

You’ll also love exploring my recommended Earth Science printable packs for more hands-on activities that are perfect for curious learners.

What Can Kids Learn from This Activity?

This activity is packed with valuable lessons. Here are three essential things kids will pick up:

• Understanding the concept of density in a visual and hands-on way.
• Observing how adding substances to liquids can change their properties.
• Building critical thinking and observation skills.

Recommended STEM Kits

STEM kits are a fantastic way to bring extra science fun into your home. They offer exciting experiments and projects that keep young learners curious and engaged.

110 Lab Experiments Science Kits for Kids – STEM Projects Educational Scientific Toys for kids 6 7 8 9 10 12 Years Old, Christmas Birthday Gifts for Boys and Girls, Chemistry Set, Learning & EducationNational Geographic Kids Junior Chemistry Set – Complete Early Learning Lab Kit with 50 Science Experiments and 20+ Lab Tools for Kids Aged 4-6Science Magnets Experiment Set for Kids Electricity and Magnetism Kit for Students Stem Kit Physics Lab Basic Circuit Tools for Learning StarterJapace 100+ Experiments Science Kit for Kids, Cool Boy Christmas Birthday Gift Ideas, Chemistry and Physics Set STEM Toys for Boys GirlsDoctor Jupiter My First Science Kit for Kids Ages 4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 | Birthday, Easter Gift Ideas for 4+ Year Old Boys & Girls | STEM Learning & Educational Toys | Preschool Learning ActivitiesScientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Experiment Kit, 11 Mind Blowing Science Activities and Experiments (Ages 6+)

 

Floating Egg Experiment Supplies

• eggs
• water
• salt
• glass containers (glass works best for clear viewing)
• spoon
• sticky notes or paper
• marker

How to make this egg sink or float activity?

When we set up this experiment, my older kids jumped right into the measuring and stirring. They were fascinated by how quickly the salt dissolved into the hot water, and we had some fun guesses about what might happen next.

My kids were more excited about carefully placing the eggs into the water. There was a lot of laughter when the egg plopped straight to the bottom of the cold water jar. But the biggest reactions came when the egg floated in the salty water — they couldn’t believe their eyes.

More Homeschool Science Experiments to Try

Looking for more hands-on learning ideas? Explore fun and simple experiments that will keep your kids curious and excited about science.

• Edible Kitchen Science Experiments
• Easy Peppermint Science Experiment
• Speed Racer STEM Activity
• Liquid or Solid Science Experiment by Darcy and Brian
• Free Scientific Method Worksheet for Young Scientists by Homeschool of 1

Science experiments at home don’t have to be complicated. This floating egg activity is an easy and exciting way to introduce kids to the concept of density using just a few kitchen supplies.

It’s these simple moments of discovery that make learning so special.