Dancing Stick Figure- A Fun Art and Science Activity

I recently saw a video on Facebook in which someone made a stick figure become "animated" by adding a few drops of water and blowing lightly on it.

I wasn't entirely sure the video was legit, but I wanted it to be so that I could recreate the "experiment" with D and R. I noticed that the surface being drawn on was somewhat reflective, so I tried using markers (both sharpie and dry erase) on surfaces like packing tape, a plastic zip top bag, and photo paper. I didn't have any luck, but I didn't want to give up hope just yet, so I read through some of the comments left on various uploads of the video.

Thankfully for me, I found a comment left by YouTube User Naby Villegas, She shared that she had tried it (successfully) using glass, a dry erase marker, and water. I am not sure of the actual science behind it, but based on what I read, dry erase markers are made with special oils and once the water is added (slow drips) it helps separate the marker from the glass. It is pretty cool to watch as the stick figure "lifts up" from the glass.

If you have young ones at home, this is a fun, easy, and relatively mess-free experiment. I highly encourage you to try it out!

What You Need:

A piece of glass (I used one from a picture frame)

A dry erase marker

Water

Dish Towels (to absorb any excess water and to wipe your glass clean when you are finished)

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Dry Erase Marker, Glass, and Water

Step 2: Draw Your Stick Figure

Be sure to press down hard and let air dry a bit before the next step

Step 3: Drip Water Over Your Stick Figure

Drip the water slowly, starting at the top and making sure to cover the entire stick figure

Step 4: Breathe

Once your stick figure is covered, you will notice it "lift" and move a little on its own. It's time to make your stick figure "come to life" by breathing, ever so lightly, into the puddles.