Floating Fish Experiment

Floating Fish Experiment

Overview

Dive into the fascinating world of solubility and density with this simple but magical experiment. Watch as a fish drawn with dry-erase marker floats and dances on water, offering a fun way to learn about chemical properties and physical phenomena!

Objective

Understand the concepts of solubility, density, and buoyancy by observing a dry-erase marker drawing float on water.

Materials Needed

• Glass plate or tray
• Dry-erase marker
  
• Measuring cup with tap water
  
• Paper towel (for cleanup)

Safety Tips

• Ensure adult supervision throughout the experiment.
• Be gentle with the glass plate to avoid breakage.
  
• Do not ingest any materials.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Draw the outline of a fish on the bottom of a glass plate or tray using a dry-erase marker. Retrace your drawing to ensure all lines are connected. Allow to dry for 1-2 minutes.

• Fill a measuring cup with tap water. Slowly add water to the edge of the dish until it just covers the bottom, avoiding splashes on the drawing.

• Gently tilt the dish side to side and observe how the fish drawing moves.

Expected Results

The fish drawing will lift off the dish bottom and float on the water's surface.

Scientific Explanation

Ink Properties: The ink in dry-erase markers is designed to be non-permanent and slippery, making it easy to erase. This is due to a chemical that prevents the ink from adhering firmly to surfaces.

Why It Floats: Dry erase ink doesn't dissolve in water (it's insoluble) and is less dense than water, allowing it to float. When you tilt the dish, the fish "swims" because of these properties.

Questions for Further Exploration

What happens if you use different shapes or multiple drawings?

Does the experiment work the same with different amounts of water?

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