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!

4-Season Crafts and Activities for Kids

Celebrate the beauty of every season with these 4-Season Crafts and Activities for Kids! Browse our archives to find the perfect project to do with your kids in spring, summer, fall or winter.

Need suggestions? This Dandelion Play Dough is the perfect way to use up those dandelions that take over your yard in the month of May. Of, if you love autumn colors, try making these gorgeous Glue & Chalk Pastel Fall Leaves. This Melted Snowman Sensory Bag is also perfect for younger kids who are discovering the joys of winter!

Floating Dry Erase Snowflakes

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 …

Paper plate pumpkin pie craft with cotton ball whipped cream.

This paper plate pumpkin pie craft is perfect for fall or Thanksgiving, and you’ll only need a few simple supplies in order to make it! Whether you have younger or …

Jack-o'-lantern craft with pumpkins stamped using apples.

Have more apples than you know what to do with? Use them to make this adorable pumpkin apple stamping craft with your kids! This easy art project is lots of …

If you’ve been searching for simple autumn-themed activities to help entertain your kids, you’ll love these free fall coloring pages! Not only are they totally free to download, but they …

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 …

4 styles of ice cream cones made using a printable template.

Looking for a simple, low-mess craft to celebrate the arrival of summer? This free “build an ice cream cone” craft is easy to make, fun for kids, and only requires …

Love messy sensory activities? This sand foam sensory play is quick and easy to prep, perfect for summer, and only requires a few simple supplies that you may already have …

If your child enjoys crafting and painting, they’ll love these Q-tip painted dandelions! This cute craft is fun to make, only requires a few simple supplies, and is appropriate for …

Looking for a fun way to use those dandelions growing in your yard? This frozen dandelion sensory bin is inexpensive, taste-safe, easy to prep and fun for kids of all …

This free printable spring bucket list is perfect for families who are looking for easy activities to celebrate the arrival of spring! It features over 100 ideas that are appropriate …

Floating Dry Erase Snowflakes

Paper Plate Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Apple Stamping Craft

Free Fall Coloring Pages

Frozen Oobleck

Free “Build an Ice Cream Cone” Printable

Sand Foam Sensory Play

Q-Tip Painted Dandelions

Frozen Dandelion Sensory Play

Free Printable Spring Bucket List (100+ Ideas!)