You probably remember the paw prints. You remember the thinking chair. But if you're specifically digging around for Blue’s Clues what experiment does Blue want to try, you’re likely thinking of one of the most iconic "STEM" moments of 90s and early 2000s television.
It wasn't just about finding a snack or a lost toy this time. Blue wanted to be a scientist.
Specifically, in the classic episode "Science," Blue wants to try a sink or float experiment. It sounds simple to us adults. Honestly, it's just physics. But for a preschooler in 1998 (or a kid watching the reboot today), the idea that a heavy-looking rock sinks while a heavy-looking log floats is basically magic. This specific plot point wasn't just filler; it was a carefully constructed lesson designed by the show’s creators, including Angela Santomero and Todd Kessler, to introduce the scientific method to toddlers.
Why the Sink or Float Experiment Mattered
Kids are natural scientists. They poke things. They drop stuff. In this episode, Steve (or Josh, depending on which era you're watching) has to figure out Blue’s plan by finding those three famous paw prints.
The "Science" episode is a standout because it moves away from social-emotional learning and dives straight into physical properties. Blue wants to know why things behave the way they do in water. Throughout the episode, we see her gathering objects. A paperclip. A wooden block. A rubber duck.
It’s about density. Well, the show doesn't use the word "density" because that would make a four-year-old’s head spin. Instead, they use "buoyancy" in spirit. They ask the viewer to predict. That’s the key. Before the object hits the water, Steve looks directly into the camera. He waits. That agonizingly long pause? That’s intentional. It’s called "passive interaction," a hallmark of the series based on research from the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication. They wanted kids to shout at the screen.
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The Specifics of the Science Episode
If you're looking for the exact episode title to stream it for your own kids or for a hit of nostalgia, it's Season 2, Episode 9. It first aired on January 26, 1998.
In this episode, the experiment isn't just a one-off gag. The whole house gets involved. You’ve got Shovel and Pail—fittingly, since they are literally tools for water play—talking about how they observe the world.
Blue’s clues lead Steve to:
- A container of water.
- An object that sinks (the rock).
- An object that floats (the leaf).
When you put them together, the answer to Blue’s Clues what experiment does Blue want to try becomes clear: she wants to test her hypotheses. It's cool to see a show for toddlers actually use the word "experiment" correctly. They don't dumb it down to "playing with water." They call it what it is.
The Legacy of Blue’s Scientific Curiosity
Modern reboots like Blue’s Clues & You! have kept this spirit alive. Josh Dela Cruz brings a similar energy to the "Science with Blue" segments.
But why do we still care about what experiment Blue wanted to try decades later?
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Because it worked.
The "Science" episode was part of a larger movement in educational media to prove that television could actually teach complex thinking. It wasn't just "The Alphabet Song." It was about the process of discovery. When Blue wants to try her sink or float experiment, she isn't just looking for an answer. She’s teaching the audience how to ask a question.
Other Experiments in the Blue’s Clues Universe
While the sink or float experiment is the big one, Blue has dabbled in other "labs" over the years.
- The Magnifying Glass: In several episodes, she explores things at a microscopic level.
- Simple Machines: There’s an exploration of levers and pulleys (usually involving Shovel and Pail in the backyard).
- Nature Studies: Tracking the growth of plants in the garden.
The "Sink or Float" remains the "gold standard" because it’s so tactile. You can do it at home right now with a bowl of water and a set of keys.
How to Recreate Blue’s Experiment at Home
If you have a toddler who just watched this and is now obsessed, you don't need a lab coat. You just need a plastic bin.
Honestly, the best way to honor the show’s intent is to follow their "wait time" rule. Grab a heavy metal spoon and a plastic one. Ask your kid, "What do you think will happen?" Don't correct them if they're wrong. Let the water do the teaching.
That’s exactly what Steve did. He didn't lecture. He observed.
The "Sink or Float" experiment is a classic for a reason. It's the first time many kids realize that the world has rules that can be tested and understood. Blue wasn't just a dog; she was a gateway to physics.
Beyond the Water Bucket: The "Science" Episode's Deeper Lessons
Something most people miss about this episode is the "Skidoo" segment. For those who don't remember, "Skidoo" is when Steve and Blue literally jump into a picture.
In the science episode, they skidoo into a world where they meet the sun and the planets. It shifts the scale from a small bucket of water to the entire solar system. It’s a brilliant narrative jump. It shows that science happens in the backyard and in deep space.
They talk about gravity. Sorta. They talk about how the planets stay in line. Again, they keep it simple, but the foundational truth is there.
Technical Accuracy in Preschool Media
Critics sometimes argue that shows like Blue's Clues oversimplify things. But if you look at the work of Alice Wilder, the show’s producer and director of research, every script was tested with actual kids at least three times before filming.
When Blue wanted to try her sink or float experiment, researchers made sure that the objects used were things kids could actually find. They didn't use obscure lab equipment. They used a leaf. They used a rock.
This made the science "sticky."
Actionable Steps for Parents and Teachers
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Blue's Clues and her scientific endeavors, here is how you can actually use this information today:
- Watch the Episode: Season 2, Episode 9 of the original series is available on Paramount+ and often on YouTube via the official Nick Jr. channel.
- Set up a "Blue's Lab": You don't need much. A clear plastic tub is better than an opaque one so kids can see the objects at the bottom.
- Predict, Observe, Record: These are the three pillars. Have the child draw a picture of the object before it goes in the water, and then a picture of where it ended up.
- Talk about Material, Not Weight: Help the child notice that a large piece of wood (like a log) might be "heavier" than a small pebble, yet the log floats. This is the "Aha!" moment Blue was aiming for.
- Explore the Reboot: Check out Blue’s Clues & You! Season 1, Episode 12, "Science with Blue," to see the modern take on these themes, which includes baking soda volcanoes and more "explosive" fun.
Science isn't about having all the answers. It's about being brave enough to ask the question and look for the clues. Whether it’s 1998 or 2026, Blue is still out there, paw-printing her way toward the truth.