Sharpie Solubility Experiment for Kids

Have you ever wondered what happens when you mix water with a Sharpie marker? Join us in a fun and colourful experiment that will help you explore the concept of solubility!

What You’ll Need:

• A few Sharpie markers (preferably different colours)
• A small bowl or dish
• Water
• A piece of white paper or a coffee filter
• A pipette or dropper (optional)

The Experiment:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay out your materials on a flat surface. Be sure to wear an apron or old clothes, just in case!

2. Draw with Sharpies: On the piece of white paper or coffee filter, draw or make small dots with different colours of Sharpie. Use about three or four different colours, spacing them out nicely.

3. Add Water: Carefully pour a small amount of water into the bowl. If you have a pipette or dropper, you can use it to add water slowly to the paper. Watch as the water spreads over the paper and interacts with the Sharpie ink.

4. Observe the Reaction: As the water touches the ink, you’ll notice the colours beginning to bleed and mix together. This is where the real fun happens! Capture the moment by discussing with your friends or family how the colours blend and change.

5. Discuss Your Findings: Talk about why some colours might spread more than others. Sharpie ink is made of pigments that dissolve differently in water, leading to the vibrant patterns you see. This is a great time to learn about solubility!

Conclusion:

Once you’ve finished, take a moment to reflect on what you observed. This simple experiment not only reveals the magic of colours but also introduces you to the scientific concept of solubility. Now, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge about how different substances interact with water!