Screenshot
Follow us on Instagram for more fun ideas for kids!
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Try this fun Halloween science for kids by using dry erase markers and foil to create “dancing spiders” across a spider web!
Add a dash of spooky fun to your Halloween with this dancing spider dry-erase experiment! Kids will love this fun Halloween science.
By drawing on aluminum foil and using a simple water trick, you can make the spiders scurry across the web. This craft is perfect for a Halloween-themed activity or a fun, interactive project to amaze friends and family.
Screenshot
Dancing Spiders Dry Erase Activity – Materials
- Aluminum foil
- Permanent marker
- Dry erase marker*
- Water
- Flat baking pan
- Straw
*We have found varying success with the type of dry-erase markers. We’ve tried Expo, Amazon brand and generic ones! There doesn’t seem to be one brand that is the best for lifting off the spider. It’s more important to follow the tips for success below.
Tips for creating the dancing dry-erase activity
- make sure your surface is flat
- pour water slowly away from your dry-erase shape instead of pouring over it
- wait a bit before trying to lift off the shape
- use straws to slowly help move the shape away from the foil
- use simple shapes
- instead of foil, draw directly on a non-porous flat plate
Science behind the floating dry-erase experiment
Surface Tension
Water has surface tension, which means it forms a thin, flexible layer on surfaces. When you pour water on the foil, this layer helps the spider slide around more easily.
Reduced Friction
The water layer between the spider drawing and the foil reduces friction. Friction is the force that resists movement; with less friction, the spider can move more freely.
Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
The dry erase marker ink is less affected by water (hydrophobic), while the foil doesn’t interact much with the water (hydrophilic). This difference allows the water to create a slippery surface, letting the spider lift off and glide across the water.
How to make dancing spiders
Step 1: Add foil
Begin by laying a piece of aluminum foil flat on a surface. Smooth it out as much as possible to ensure a clear drawing area. Using the permanent marker, draw a spider web design on the foil.
Step 2: Add to pan
Place the foil with the spider web in a flat baking pan deep enough to hold a small amount of water without spilling over.
Step 3: Draw spiders
Using a dry-erase marker, draw a couple of spiders on the web. Space them out a bit so they’re not too close to one another.
Step 4: Pour water
Gently pour a small amount of water onto the foil away from the shapes until the drawing is completely covered in a small layer of water. Watch closely as the water interacts with your drawing!
Step 5: Let the spiders “dance”
Using a straw, gently blow air onto the spiders through the water. They will begin to lift off the foil and glide across the water!
TIPS: As mentioned above, if you’re having a tricky time with foil, we do recommend trying this on a non-porous plate and skipping the step of drawing a web with a permanent marker first.
Final Thoughts:
This simple yet enchanting craft combines creativity with a touch of science to create spiderweb fun! Kids will be amazed with this fun Halloween science as the spider “runs” across its web!
Feel free to experiment with different spider designs and web patterns. Happy Halloween!
Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.