Dry Erase Marker Magic: Fun and Easy Science Tricks!

Dry erase markers aren’t just for whiteboards—they can also be used to perform fascinating science tricks that captivate kids and encourage a love for learning. These markers contain unique properties that make them ideal for a variety of fun experiments, from floating drawings to magical disappearing ink. In this guide from The Kids Point, we’ll explore how dry erase markers can be used for simple yet exciting science experiments that teach kids about the principles of chemistry, physics, and more.

The Floating Drawing Experiment

One of the most popular dry erase marker tricks is the “floating drawing” experiment. This activity demonstrates how certain properties of dry erase markers allow drawings to float on water, creating a magical effect.

How It Works

Dry erase markers contain a special ink that is insoluble in water and adheres weakly to surfaces. When you draw on a non-porous surface like glass or a whiteboard and add water, the ink’s weak adhesion allows it to lift and float on the surface of the water.

Materials Needed

• A glass or ceramic plate, bowl, or any smooth, non-porous surface
• Dry erase markers (any color)
• Water
• A spoon or a straw (optional for moving the floating drawing)

Steps

1. Draw Your Design: Use the dry erase markers to draw simple shapes, like stick figures, hearts, stars, or anything you can imagine, on the plate or bowl. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before drawing.
2. Add Water: Slowly pour water onto the plate or bowl near the edge. Be gentle so you don’t disturb the drawing too much. As the water spreads, it should lift the drawing off the surface and make it float.
3. Watch the Magic: Observe how the drawing lifts and floats on the water. You can gently blow on the water or use a straw to move the drawing around.

Scientific Explanation

The floating effect occurs because dry erase markers are made with a silicone polymer that prevents the ink from sticking strongly to surfaces. This allows the ink to lift off easily when in contact with water, demonstrating principles of adhesion and surface tension.

Disappearing Ink Trick

This trick involves making your drawing disappear with just a spray of water. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the concept of solubility and chemical reactions in a visually engaging way.

Materials Needed

• A whiteboard
• Dry erase markers
• Water spray bottle

Steps

1. Create a Drawing: Use dry erase markers to make a drawing on a whiteboard.
2. Spray with Water: Spray the drawing lightly with water from the bottle. The drawing will slowly start to disappear as the water interacts with the ink.
3. Observe: Watch as the water helps the dry erase ink to dissolve and disappear from the surface.

Scientific Explanation

Dry erase markers are designed to be easily removed from surfaces without leaving a stain. The ink in these markers is soluble in certain solutions, such as the alcohol in the marker solvent, but not water. However, water can still help break the weak bond between the ink and the surface, causing the drawing to fade and disappear.

The Water Race

The water race experiment is a fun way to combine dry erase markers with a little competition. This trick is excellent for demonstrating the concept of adhesion and how different liquids can interact with surfaces.

Materials Needed

• A smooth, flat surface like a laminated sheet or a plate
• Dry erase markers
• Water
• A straw or a small cup for pouring water

Steps

1. Draw Starting and Finishing Lines: Use the dry erase markers to draw two lines on the surface to mark the start and finish.
2. Draw Racers: Draw simple shapes like circles or small stick figures at the starting line. These will be your racers.
3. Add Water: Slowly pour a small amount of water at the starting line and gently tilt the surface so the water moves towards the finish line, carrying the racers with it.
4. Race: Watch as the drawings move towards the finish line. Kids can blow on the water with straws to speed up their racers.

Scientific Explanation

This experiment works because the dry erase marker ink is only loosely attached to the surface, allowing it to move freely when water is added. The race demonstrates how liquids can reduce friction between objects and a surface, making it easier for the racers to glide along.

Magic Coloring with Dry Erase Markers

This trick allows kids to “color” with water by using dry erase markers on different materials. It’s a simple yet magical way to understand capillary action and the movement of liquids.

Materials Needed

• Coffee filters or absorbent paper
• Dry erase markers
• Water
• A small cup or pipette for adding water

Steps

1. Draw on the Paper: Use the dry erase markers to draw lines or shapes on the coffee filter or absorbent paper.
2. Add Water: Gently drop water onto the drawings using a pipette or by lightly pouring. Watch as the water spreads and pulls the ink along with it.
3. Observe the Spread: Notice how the colors spread and mix, creating new patterns and shades.

Scientific Explanation

This trick works due to capillary action—the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces. The water moves through the tiny fibers of the paper, dragging the ink with it and causing it to spread.

Chromatography with Dry Erase Markers

Chromatography is a technique used to separate the different components of a mixture. With dry erase markers, kids can explore this concept by separating the pigments in the ink.

Materials Needed

• Coffee filters
• Dry erase markers (black works best for dramatic results)
• Water
• Small cups

Steps

1. Draw a Line: Draw a thick line about one inch from the bottom of a coffee filter strip using a dry erase marker.
2. Add Water: Place the bottom of the strip in a cup with a small amount of water, making sure the line does not touch the water directly.
3. Watch the Separation: As the water climbs up the coffee filter, it will start to separate the pigments in the marker ink, creating a rainbow effect.

Scientific Explanation

This experiment shows how chromatography works by using water as a solvent to carry the different pigments at varying rates. The pigments that are more soluble in water will travel further up the filter, while less soluble pigments will stay closer to the original line.

DIY Whiteboard Cleaner Experiment

Cleaning up after dry erase marker experiments can be just as educational as the experiments themselves! Making your own whiteboard cleaner is a practical way to explore how solvents work.

Materials Needed

• Rubbing alcohol
• Water
• A small spray bottle
• Dry erase markers
• A whiteboard

Steps

1. Mix the Cleaner: Combine equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle to create your own whiteboard cleaner.
2. Test the Cleaner: Draw on the whiteboard with dry erase markers and then spray your DIY cleaner on the marks.
3. Wipe Away: Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe the board clean, observing how the rubbing alcohol helps dissolve the marker ink.

Scientific Explanation

Dry erase markers contain alcohol-based ink, which is why they are easily removed from surfaces like whiteboards. The rubbing alcohol in the cleaner dissolves the ink, making it easy to wipe away, demonstrating the effectiveness of solvents in cleaning.

Exploring Light Reflection with Dry Erase Markers

Another fun way to use dry erase markers is to explore light reflection and angles. This activity turns a regular whiteboard into a mini science lab.

Materials Needed

• A whiteboard
• Dry erase markers
• A flashlight

Steps

1. Draw Reflective Patterns: Use dry erase markers to draw lines and shapes on a whiteboard.
2. Shine a Light: Turn off the room lights and shine a flashlight at different angles onto the drawings.
3. Observe Reflections: Notice how the light reflects off the whiteboard surface and the dry erase ink. Adjust the flashlight angle to see how reflections change.

Scientific Explanation

This activity demonstrates how light reflects off surfaces. The glossy surface of the whiteboard reflects light in a predictable way, while the dry erase ink may alter reflections slightly depending on its color and thickness.

Creating Invisible Ink Messages

Kids can also use dry erase markers to write invisible messages that are revealed only under specific conditions. This activity combines art with a little bit of secret spy fun!

Materials Needed

• A whiteboard
• Dry erase markers (light colors work best)
• A UV flashlight

Steps

1. Write Your Message: Use a light-colored dry erase marker to write a message or draw on the whiteboard.
2. Reveal with UV Light: Shine a UV flashlight on the message to make it visible.

Scientific Explanation

Invisible ink works because some pigments react differently under UV light, which has a higher energy level than visible light. This causes certain inks to fluoresce, making them appear brighter and easier to see.

Dry erase markers are more than just classroom tools—they’re gateways to fun and educational science experiments that can spark curiosity and creativity in kids. From floating drawings to chromatography, these simple markers can help teach complex scientific principles in a hands-on and engaging way. At The Kids Point, we believe in making learning fun and accessible, and these dry erase marker tricks are perfect examples of how everyday items can become powerful learning tools. So, grab some markers, a smooth surface, and a splash of water, and let the magic of science unfold right before your eyes.