What is the science behind the floating ink experiment?

Unlike permanent marker ink, which contains an acrylic polymer that makes it stick to the surface it’s on, dry erase markers contain an oily silicone polymer that makes their ink slippery. For this reason, drawings made using dry erase markers do not stick to the surface they’re on. This makes them easy to erase them from a whiteboard—or from any other non-porous surface they’re on, like a spoon. The ink’s slipperiness, along with the fact that it doesn’t dissolve in water, means that when you submerge your spoon in water, the water is able to slip underneath the drawing. Since the oily polymer in the ink prevents it from sticking to the surface of the spoon, the water that slips underneath it causes the drawing to detach completely from the spoon—and because ink is less dense than the water, it remains on its surface and begins to float!

Easy Activities for Kids

Looking for ways to entertain your little ones? These Easy Activities for Kids are perfect for kids of all ages, and they are a great way to bond as a family!

If you have young kids at home who still put everything in their mouths, these 25 Taste-Safe Sensory Play Ideas are a great place to start. This Mess-Free Painting in a Bag is also perfect for younger kids. For little ones who have a destructive streak, try these Destructive Toddlers Activities.

Floating Dry Erase Shamrocks

If your child enjoys science, they’ll love this easy floating shamrock experiment! This fun activity only requires a few simple supplies, and it is a great way to celebrate Saint …

Heart candies floating up in a jar of water.

Looking for a fun way to use conversation hearts? This dancing heart experiment is super easy to set up, and only requires a few simple supplies. Your child will love …

Skittles, arranged in the shape of a heart on a small plate, with the colors leaching out.

If your child enjoys science, they’ll love this Valentine’s Day Skittles experiment! This fun activity only requires two simple supplies, and it’s easy enough for younger kids to do all …

Floating blue snowflake drawings inside a glass dish with water.

Love simple science experiments? This easy floating snowflake experiment is super simple to set up and lots of fun for kids! You’ll only need a few simple supplies to do …

Hand holding a bubbly blue sensory bottle.

Looking for a cool new sensory bottle idea to try at home? This ocean sensory bottle is easy to make, fun for kids, and has a neat bubbly effect that …

Love oobleck? This cranberry sauce slime is a fun way to repurpose leftover cranberry sauce for sensory play, and because it’s made with edible ingredients, it is safe for both …

2 jack-o'-lantern stress balls with a hand squishing a ghost stress ball.

Looking for a fun last-minute Halloween craft to make with your kids? These easy Halloween stress balls are super cute, super simple to make, and have a squishy texture that …

If your child enjoys playing with moon sand, they’ll love this fun twist on the classic! This chocolate moon sand is super simple to make, taste-safe and only requires a …

Looking for a fun way to teach your kids how to cook? These free printable recipe cards for kids feature tried-and-true recipes with simple instructions and ingredients that kids can …

Hand holding up a ring of frozen blue oobleck.

Love oobleck? For a “cool” twist on the classic, try making frozen oobleck instead! This fun taste-safe sensory activity is easy to prep and only requires a few simple supplies …

Floating Dry Erase Shamrocks

Dancing Heart Experiment

Valentine’s Day Skittles Experiment

Floating Dry Erase Snowflakes

DIY Ocean Sensory Bottle

Cranberry Sauce Slime (Taste-Safe!)

Halloween Stress Balls

Chocolate Moon Sand (Taste-Safe!)

Free Recipe Cards for Kids

Frozen Oobleck