Spooky Dry Erase Floating Ink Experiment
Looking for a fun and spooky way to get in the Halloween spirit?
This spooky dry erase floating ink experiment is perfect for anyone who loves science and wants to have a little bit of spookiness this Halloween.
The best part is that you can make your own floating ink! All you need are some simple household supplies. Plus, this project is perfect for kids of all ages.
To know more things to do this Halloween, check out my Fun Halloween Activities for Kids blog post.
Read the instructions below to learn how to make your own fun floating ink activity!
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Recommended Experiment Books for Kids
Your little scientists will have an awesome time trying these experiments. They’ll discover and learn a lot about how things work with these experiment books for kids.
Real Chemistry Experiments: 40 Exciting STEAM Activities for Kids (Real Science Book 1)Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Experiments from Around the House (Volume 4) (Lab for Kids, 4)Awesome Outdoor Science Experiments for Kids: 50+ STEAM Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Steve Spangler’s Super-Cool Science Experiments for Kids: 50 mind-blowing STEM projects you can do at homeThe Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You!
Why does the ink from dry erase marker float in water?
Have you ever wondered why the ink from a dry erase marker floats in water? It’s actually pretty simple.
Dry erase markers use a type of ink that is soluble in water. This means that the ink particles will dissolve in water and spread out evenly throughout the liquid. When you add food coloring to the water, it creates a contrast that makes the floating ink more visible. Cool, huh?
Find out how easy it is to make a spooky dry erase floating ink experiment below.
Spooky Dry Erase Floating Ink Experiment
Now gather the things you need and let’s start the experiment.
Experiment Materials
- Dry erase markers
- White plate
- Water
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Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Halloween
Kids will enjoy answering these worksheets including Halloween themed ten-frame and counting worksheets, tracing worksheets, addition and subtraction worksheets, counting charts, and more!
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Instructions
- Use the dry erase marker to draw creepy shapes on the plate.
2. Pour a small amount of water slowly onto the plate. The shapes should begin to lift when the water touches them. If they do not lift completely, tilt the plate slightly.
Tips
- Do not use too much water. If the shape 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.
Homeschool families love science experiments! They are a relatively easy and low mess, which is a homeschool mom’s dream. Plus, kids are always fascinated by them.
So, the next time you’re looking for a fun homeschool science experiment, try the Spooky Dry Erase Floating Ink Experiment, and let me know how it turned out!
STEM activities are fun and these Fall STEM activities are even more exciting!
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