Make an Egg Float

Modified: May 5, 2023 · Published: Feb 10, 2021 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

Fresh eggs sink, and older eggs float. Eggs have air cell that becomes bigger as they age. Once the air pocket is big enough to make the egg less dense than water, the egg floats!!

Another way to make an egg float is to increase the density of the water the egg is in! Once the water becomes denser than the egg, the egg will float. We can increase the density of water with salt.

This easy kitchen science experiment just needs salt, water and a container.

Image of children doing an egg experiment, using salt and water

How to make an egg float

You’ll need

A bowl or large glass
Tap water
Table salt
Fresh Egg

Instructions

Fill the bowl or glass about ⅔ full with tap water.
Drop the egg carefully into the bowl and watch as it sinks to the bottom.
Remove the egg and add salt to the water stirring continuously. Keep adding salt until the egg floats.

Image shows one glass filled with salt water with an egg floating on the surface and one glass filled with fresh water with the egg at the bottom.

Why does an egg float in salty water?

Objects sink when they are more dense than water and float if they are less dense than water.

Adding salt increases the density of the water.

Once the water is more dense than the egg, the egg floats.

You could also try other objects to see what else you can make float. Just remember to check the object sinks in tap water first. Why not try one of my other sink or float experiments?

More Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids

Find out how to make an egg bounce.

Discover how to bake ice cream in an oven without it melting.

Learn about the Maillard reaction, find out what a leavening agent is and more science in the kitchen with a science bake off!

Find out why honeycomb is bubbly.

Rainy Day Mum uses honeycomb to talk about igneous rocks!

I also have a HUGE collection of kitchen science experiments that will keep you busy for months!

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

More Kitchen Science

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.

Comments

MsXpat

January 23, 2012 at 3:43 pm

This is one of the first science ‘tricks’ I remember from primary school days :0) its cool!

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Betsy

January 23, 2012 at 4:05 pm

I love science experiments like this! Can’t wait to try it.

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- ScienceSparks
  
  January 26, 2012 at 8:12 pm
  
  Let us know if you enjoy it!
  
  Reply
maggy,red ted art

January 26, 2012 at 6:20 pm

Mmmh, I am sure I was told a floating egg is a bad egg.. is this how you can play tricks on people too? 🙂

Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

Maggy

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- ScienceSparks
  
  January 26, 2012 at 8:11 pm
  
  ha ha :-))
  
  Reply
Veronica

January 26, 2012 at 7:29 pm

What a fun experiment. I can’t wait to put this experiment into our science lessons. I can’t believe how many fun experiments you do on your site. Educational and fun.

-Veronica @ http://watchmeplaynlearn.blogspot.com/

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- ScienceSparks
  
  January 26, 2012 at 8:10 pm
  
  wow, thank you. That is so lovely to hear. x
  
  Reply
Brooke, Let kids create

January 30, 2012 at 5:49 am

That is so cool. I never knew you could do that (unless the egg was bad) Thanks for sharing on Monday Madness.

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- ScienceSparks
  
  January 30, 2012 at 12:42 pm
  
  So glad you like it!
  
  Reply
Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

February 04, 2012 at 1:38 pm

oh, you know I LOVE it! Keeping this in my back pocket for around Easter – perfect!!!

thanks for sharing on the sunday showcase! I pinned this!

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Emma bloomfield.

March 17, 2015 at 10:27 pm

I am doing this to show my class room 6.

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Yusuf Kariem

March 29, 2017 at 2:18 pm

Wow so cool
Had fun helping my daughter make it

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Cynthia

April 17, 2020 at 5:36 pm

This is the best prank to pull on my son. He is in collage and he is a great chef. knows everything! Thanks.

Reply