The Summer Science Club is a collection of fun kid-friendly science experiments and STEM projects explained.
As school ends millions of kids are released from a strict schedule of learning and innovating. As a kid who grew up with a science teacher mom and an engineering dad, I spent my summers doing science experiments and STEM projects. I came out of every summer with many new skills and knowledge of the world around me. Now, working with young kids at the library and babysitting kids, I teach these experiments to others.
It's back to school time which means going school supply shopping. School supply shopping is one of my favorite parts of going back to school. Dry-erase markers are one of the most common supplies that I see selling out in Targets. Not only are they used for writing on boards but can be used for a couple of cool experiments.
Dry-erase markers have a very specific property that is not apparent in any other pens. Pens work when a plant-based sticky solution is mixed with alcohol. When the alcohol evaporates the sticky plant solution stays and leaves the writing. Permanent markers use a stronger plant solution that has a bond that stays much longer. Dry-erase markers are the complete opposite and use a very weak adhesive. When the alcohol evaporates the dry erase markers wipe off very easily when used on a very smooth surface.
Dry-erase markers have a few other unique qualities. They are not solvable in water and are less dense than water. This means that it will float.
Materials
Dry Erase Markers
Smooth bowl or plate
Water
Steps
Draw a circle on a ceramic or smooth plate with dry-erase markers.
Let the ink dry until you can lightly tap it and nothing comes off on your finger.
Add water very slowly around your drawings.
Shake the plate very gently and watch as the circle comes off the plate.
If it flakes off or comes off in pieces, empty out the water and draw with a newer marker or go over the drawing a couple of times.
Try different drawings like a stick figure or a fish!
Work Cited
Lohner, Svenja. “Make Your Drawings Float!” Scientific American, 15 November 2018, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/make-your-drawings-float/. Accessed 19 September 2024.
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