Floating Rice Experiment
A fun and engaging hands-on science project that demonstrates buoyancy and friction using uncooked rice and water.
Ingredients
Materials Needed
- 1 cup Uncooked rice Use white or colored rice
- 1 shallow dish A shallow dish or tray To hold the water and rice
- as needed cups Water Enough to cover the bottom of the dish
- a few drops Food coloring (optional) Optional for coloring the rice
- several Small objects (e.g., beads, buttons) For comparing friction
- 1 Spoon or stick For stirring the rice
Instructions
Preparation
- Find a clean, flat surface to work on.
- Lay down newspapers or a plastic mat to catch spills.
- If you want to add color, place uncooked rice in a zip-lock bag.
- Add a few drops of food coloring and shake until the rice is evenly coated.
Experiment
- Pour a thin layer of water into your shallow dish, just enough to cover the bottom.
- Gently sprinkle the rice over the water and observe how the rice interacts with it.
- Use a spoon or stick to poke and stir the rice to see how friction affects floating.
Cleanup
- Once finished, dispose of the rice and water responsibly.
Notes
Customize colors by mixing food dyes, add scents with essential oils, or try using different grains or liquids for variations.