Diving Squid Science
Mad scientists will love this awesome twist on the classic sink or float science experiment! Using only a few supplies, kids can make a Squidy that magically dives and rises with just a squeeze of the hand.
If you’re looking for more science fun, hop on over to our shop to snag our 30 Science Experiments that are all kid-approved and tons of fun!
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Getting Ready
My favorite part of this experiment was that all of the supplies arrived on my doorstep. No last minute shopping trips required!
Steve Spanglers’ Super Diver Kit included science manuals, an empty 1-liter bottle, pipette, hex nut and the super lovable star of the show: Squidy.
The Squidy Experiment
After completing several introductory buoyancy experiments from the kit, my boys couldn’t wait to put their new knowledge to work.
Middle Brother (age 4.5) screwed the hex nut onto the pipette, leaving about 1/4 inch gap under the bulb.
He cut off the tube below the hex nut and began carefully sliding the pipette into Squidy’s belly.
It took a lot of patience – he couldn’t push too hard or it would tear the red shell.
Middle Brother filled the bottle with water and wiggled Squidy inside.
He topped off the water again and tightly secured the top.
It was time for the real fun to begin! Middle Brother squeezed the bottle and excitedly watched Squidy dive to the bottom just. like. that. Scientific magic.
Science Behind It
Everything is made up of molecules – teeny tiny particles that can only be seen with a microscope.
If those molecules are spread far apart and have space between them like the air inside the bulb, they are less dense than the water molecules and float.
If the molecules are pressed closely together, they are more dense than the water molecules and sink.
When kids squeeze the bottle, they increase the water pressure, pushing water into the air-filled bulb and pressing the air molecules together.
More pressure equals smaller air space and Squidy sinks to the bottom.
Less pressure equals larger air space and Squidy rises to the top.
More Science for Kids
Want more kid-friendly science? Grab our 30 Science Experiments in our shop – complete with a no prep journal to record results!