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Sharpie Solubility Experiment for Kids

May 28 By Linda Kamp 6 Comments

This Sharpie solubility experiment is a fun science activity for kids that is easy to do in any classroom. Ideal for teaching elementary students about scientific processes, the materials you need are all available at the dollar store. The PowerPoint lessons and recording sheet I use can be found in this science resource.

Sharpie solubility science experiment with coffee filter and dissolving ink

With this experiment, students gain experience planning and carrying out an investigation to answer a question or design a solution to a problem.

What is solubility?

Solubility is the ability of a substance (the solute), to mix into a liquid (the solvent). A solvent is any substance that dissoves a solute. A solute is any substance, liquid, solid or gas, that is dissolved by a solvent. Permanent markers, like Sharpies are hydrophobic, or “water fearing”. Hydrophobic substances will not dissolve in water. This is why trying to remove permanent marker with water doesn’t work.

Sharpie science solubility experiment lesson on laptop

I use this simple solubility experiment for students to learn and practice using the scientific method. Students explore solubility by answering the question, “Are permanent markers really permanent?” and by testing the solubility of Sharpie pen ink in water, vinegar and rubbing alcohol.

Shaprie science experiment directions on laptop screen

Sharpie Solubility Experiment

Materials:

  • Sharpie markers
  • 3 small plastic cups labeled water, vinegar and alcohol
  • 3 coffee filters
  • white vinegar
  • rubbing alcohol
  • water
  • student lab sheet

Sharpie solubility experiment with cups Sharpie pens and coffee filters

Place students in small groups or partners with the above materials needed to carry out their experiment.

Procedure:

Draw several circles in the center of 3 coffee filters. Fold the coffee filters in half twice.

coffee filters with sharpie marker -materials for dissolving ink science experiment

Ask students to consider the questions, “Are Sharpie pens really permanent?” and write a hypothesis on their lab sheet. Next, students make predictions about what will happen to the ink after the coffee filters are placed in each liquid.

Sharpie pens lab sheet and cups of solution for science experiment

Gently place the folded coffee filters in each cup and observe any changes for about 10-15 minutes.

Sharpie pen ink dissolving in cups of vinegar, water and alcohol.

Lastly, have students draw what they observe and describe the results of their test.

lab sheet from sharpie dissolving ink experiment

The science behind the Sharpie solubility experiment

The ink molecules in the Sharpie are soluble meaning they will dissolve in a different solvent. The rubbing alcohol (solvent) dissolves the ink molecules and carries them with it as it spreads across the coffee filter. When left over night, the ink is almost completely dissolved and has been carried to the top edges of the coffee filter as you can see in the top right corner of the above picture.

This simple Sharpie solubility experiment is a fun way to familiarize your students with the scientific method and begin building a science foundation in your classroom.

Be sure to pin it for later to have it when you plan!

Sharpie science solubility experiment

For more introductory science lessons and foundation building activities for second and third grade, check out this complete science unit, Scientists and the Scientific Method.

Scientists and the Scientific Method-Science activities and teaching unit for 2nd and 3rd grade.

Visit these related science posts to help you plan your science lessons:

4 Things to Teach in Science at the Beginning of the Year

Teaching ideas and beginning of the year science activities for 2nd and 3rd grade.

Milk & Cookies and the Scientific Method

A simple and fun science experiment using milk and cookies to explore buoyancy. Find easy science activities for teaching the scientific method in a way that kids love! Read more about 2nd and 3rd grade science.

Build An Exploding Seed Pod: Seed Dispersal STEM Activity 

Seed dispersal activity- A fun science experiment and STEM challenge for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders to learn about exploding seed pods while studying the plant life cycle. Students build a model of this plant adaptation and explore how seeds travel.

Plant Life Cycle Science Activities that Get Kids Writing

Plant life cycle activities-Creative ways to get kids writing about science

Happy teaching!

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    Filed Under: Science Tagged With: dissolving ink, science experiments, scientific, sharpie science, solubility

    Comments

    1. STEM Guide says

      November 9 at 10:06 am

      I can’t wait to try this experiement! And I’m just in love with your scientific method journal. Such a cute cover.

      Reply
      • Linda says

        November 18 at 7:29 am

        I’m so glad you like it! I hope your students enjoy the experiment!

        Reply
    2. Niyah says

      January 3 at 7:06 am

      I am using this for my science fair project and it looks very fun!

      Reply
      • Linda says

        January 9 at 9:13 am

        Best of luck with your science fair project!

        Reply
    3. Maggie Pounds says

      February 23 at 9:22 am

      Is the student lab sheet available to use for a science fair project?

      Reply
      • Linda Kamp says

        March 28 at 8:12 am

        Hi Maggie,
        Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately I don’t have the labs available separately.

        Reply

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