Dry erase markers are insoluble, meaning they can't be dissolved in a liquid like water. They also have very few adhesive qualities, which is why they can be easily erased. The lack of adhesive is also what allows the water to make the drawing “come to life” and float, rather than sticking to the dish.

Draw shapes, stick figures or letters on your plate or baking dish. Pour water into the dish close to the edges of your drawings. Within seconds, you'll see the dry erase ink reacting with the water, and the edges of your drawings will begin to lift.

First, dry erase ink is not that sticky, so it doesn't stick all that hard to our plate. Also, it's insoluble in water. That means it can't be dissolved in water. And lastly, it's less dense than water - which means it will float!