How to Make Modeling Clay Float
Clay is made from a fine paste of the same mineral stuff as rocks and sand, making it a substance that naturally sinks when placed in water. However, by forming clay into the right shape, you can cause it to float on the surface of water. This is a great to demonstrate the principles of buoyancy to beginner science students, especially after demonstrating that a ball of clay will sink to the bottom.
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Things You'll Need
- Oil-based, non-drying modeling clay
- Clay rolling pin
- Smooth, flat work surface
- Tub of water
Instructions
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1
Condition a golf ball-sized lump of clay in your hands. Knead and work the clay with your fingers and palms until it is fully softened and malleable for shaping.
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2
Roll the clay into a log shape. Place the ball on your work surface and roll it back and forth under your flattened hand, applying gentle pressure until the clay is about 4 inches long. Do not roll it out so much that it's a floppy snake; the log should be stiff enough to stand up straight on its own.
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3
Flatten the clay log. Lay it on your work surface and flatten it with your rolling pin until it's about one-quarter-inch thick. Gently peel this shape away.
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4
Form the clay into a canoe shape. Partially fold the flat shape in half lengthwise and pinch together the top and bottom end. Place your thumb inside the canoe and your forefingers outside, then inch the walls of the canoe all over to flatten them even further.
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5
Make sure the clay canoe has no holes or cracks. If you find any, smooth them over with your fingers to seal them. (If your canoe has a lot of holes and is too floppy, start again and don't roll it quite so thin.)
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Place the canoe in the tub of water. Make sure the water is still in order to avoid any splashing into the canoe. Gently place the canoe hollow-side up in the water.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice this technique before using it in any demonstration to get the shape of the canoe just right.
