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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Superhero Science Experiment

Superhero Science Experiment

Modified: Jul 19, 2021 · Published: Jul 25, 2016 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

I set my children a challenge yesterday to make a superhero figure float as a fun superhero science experiment. The activity itself was easy to set up, almost mess free and kept my three busy for at least an hour as they experimented with different ways to make their figures float.

Superhero science experiment - Make a Superhero float - buoyancy experiment for kids
Superhero STEM Challenge

Superhero Science Experiment – what you’ll need

Container to hold water

Figures

Sellotape

Materials to test – we used bubble wrap and chopped up pool noodles, but you could test with anything as long as it floats.

Image of a suoerhero toy figure surrounded by bubble wrap and pool noodle pieces

How to make a superhero float

We talked a little about why some things float and some items sink, then we thought about why children who can’t swim wear arm bands and how we could give our figure the same buoyancy, then I left the children to test and explore themselves.

These were my arm bands for Spiderman.

spiderman wearing pool noodle arm bands for a buoyancy science experiment
Spiderman figure with arm bands - science for kids - superhero experiment

My 9 year old chose to make a raft like structure with the pool noodles, but then after seeing my idea made a hole in the centre of a noodle circle and simply pushed the figure inside like a circular float.

superhero floating on a DIY float for a science activity

My 5 year old used the bubble wrap to fashion large arm bands.

superman wrapped in bubble wrap for a science activity

Why does the superhero float?

Although the bubble wrap or pool noodle makes the figure weigh a little more, it also displaces more water making the figure more buoyant.

The pockets of air in the bubble wrap and pool noodle mean that the figure and bubble wrap together are less dense than the water, making the figure float.

More floating and buoyancy experiment ideas

Can you make a lemon sink? Think carefully about why the lemon floats to work it out.

Image of a lemon floating and lemon flesh sinking

Can you think of a liquid that would float on the top of water? This would make a great density jar.

Could you use salt to make the superhero float?

This activity is also great for learning about the Archimedes Principle.

More Superhero Science Experiments

These Superhero cressheads are perfect for learning about germination and the conditions plants need to grow.

Superhero cress heads

Find out what’s the best material is for a superhero cape.

Links to English

Write a superhero story where the hero has to find a super fast way to make him/herself float.

Write a set of instructions so someone else could copy your design.

Links to Maths

Can you time how long it take you to build your design? Do you get faster as you practice? Can you record the same data for other people?

Weigh your superhero figure, does a heavier figure need more of the buoyant material?

Suitable for Early Learning Goal 1

Exploring and using media and materials

Last Updated on July 19, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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