Floating Hearts Experiment
Hey friends! I hope you’ve had a wonderful, relaxing weekend filled with fun and laughter. I spent mine having fun with a super exciting science activity that’s absolutely perfect for Valentine’s Day: the Floating Hearts Experiment! If you’re looking for a creative way to mix learning with play, this hands-on activity is just the thing. Trust me—kids will be absolutely captivated as the hearts they draw magically lift and float on water!
This experiment is super easy to set up. All you need is a dish of water, some dry erase markers, and a spoon to get started. In minutes you’ll have everything you need for a simple yet fascinating project that’s not only educational but also perfect for celebrating the season of love.
The Floating Hearts Experiment is a fantastic way to introduce kids to science concepts like surface tension, while sparking their natural curiosity. Science experiments were always a favorite part of homeschooling when my kids were little! Whether you’re a teacher looking for a fun Valentine’s Day classroom activity, or a parent planning some weekend fun, this experiment is sure to be a hit with the kids!
Over the years, we’ve tried so many amazing science experiments, and some family favorites include the Skittles Rainbow Experiment, the Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment, and the Magic Milk Experiment (this one’s a top pick around here!). And if you want to try another Valentine’s Day Experiment, this Magic Paper Towel Art is so fun. It’s part science experiment and part art project. Hands-on projects like these not only teach valuable science lessons but also create memories that stick with kids—and who says learning can’t be fun.
So, if you’re ready to explore some fun Valentine’s Day science, gather your supplies, round up the kiddos, and get ready to see the amazement on their faces—let’s get started!
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Floating Hearts Experiment
What You’ll Need
- plate or baking dish
- teaspoons
- dry erase markers
- water
What To Do
Step 1
Begin by pouring a bit of water into the bottom of a plate, or baking dish.
Step 2
With your dry erase markers have the kids draw a heart on the back of a teaspoon and color it in.
NOTE: I had a lot of trouble getting the hearts made with red marker to come off the spoon. I’m not sure if it was the Dollar Store markers causing the problem, so maybe purchase better quality dry erase markers.
Step 3
Place the back of the spoon on the surface of the water and rock it back and forth until the heart releases from the spoon. Continue the same steps making different colors and sizes of hearts.
The Science Behind The Experiment
The Floating Hearts Experiment is all about how water and dry-erase marker ink interact to create floating shapes!
- Dry-Erase Ink Properties: Dry-erase markers are made with a special kind of ink that doesn’t stick permanently to smooth surfaces like a spoon. This ink forms a thin layer that can lift off with water.
- Floating on Water: The ink floats because it doesn’t mix with water. Instead, it sits on the surface.
- Surface Tension: Water molecules stick together tightly, forming a kind of “skin” on the surface. This surface tension helps the ink hearts hold their shape and float.
- Releasing the Heart: When you rock the back of the spoon on the water, the movement allows the water to slip underneath the ink. Once the heart releases, it gently floats on the water’s surface.
This simple yet exciting experiment is a great way to show kids how different materials interact with water and how surface tension works!
I hope you give this Floating Hearts Experiment a try. Science truly is amazing and has a wonderful way of sparking curiosity and creativity in kids (and adults too!). I’d love to hear about your experience—feel free to share your results or any fun twists you add in the comments below. Happy experimenting!
Until next time
