Activity
Explore Surface Tension
Ever wonder why dewdrops form? Here's a fun and simple activity to introduce your child to surface tension, and pull an awesome stunt in the process! Part science, part magic, this is a great way to get your child excited about the way things work.
What You Need:
- 8 oz. drinking glass
- cloth handkerchief
- container of water
What You Do:
- Drape the handkerchief over the glass, making sure that you push the center of the handkerchief down into the glass.
- Fill the glass three-quarters full with water, by pouring all the liquid into the middle of the handkerchief.
- Stretch the handkerchief tightly across the surface of the glass, then grip the ends of the handkerchief at the bottom of the glass.
- Place one hand over the mouth of the glass and turn it over with the other hand.
- Pull the lower hand away from the glass (slowly) and the water should stay in the glass!
- Next, place your hand over the mouth of the glass and turn the glass right side up again. Remove the handkerchief from the glass and pour the water back into the container.
What Happened?
The water didn’t leak because it went through the handkerchief as it was poured into the glass. The microscopic thread webbing in the handkerchief literally disappeared when the cloth was stretched tightly across the mouth of the glass. This action allowed the water molecules to bond to one another, by the phenomenon known as “surface tension.” Surface tension prevented the water from seeping through the handkerchief!
Related learning resources
Earth Rocks! Quick Quiz
Worksheet
Earth Rocks! Quick Quiz
Take a plunge under the surface of the earth! With this worksheet as your guide, you may explore the geological processes of our planet.
4th grade
Science
Worksheet
Explore Soil Erosion
Activity
Explore Soil Erosion
Learners hypothesize about and experiment with soil erosion in this hands-on activity.
3rd grade
Science
Activity
Explore Memory Pathways
Activity
Explore Memory Pathways
Improve your child's memory, focus, and concentration with this outdoor group memory game. For 4th grade, 5th grade, and middle school age children.
4th grade
Activity
Exploring the Movement of Tectonic Plates with S'Mores
Science project
Exploring the Movement of Tectonic Plates with S'Mores
In this experiment you explore how tectonic plates move to create land and expand bodies of water.
3rd grade
Science project
Neptune Facts
Worksheet
Neptune Facts
Facts include interesting bits about the vast winds that keep its surface moving!
4th grade
Science
Worksheet
Simple Pumpkin Designs
Activity
Simple Pumpkin Designs
By selecting a pattern and carefully repeating it on the entire surface of a pumpkin, your child will transform a simple garden vegetable into a work of art.
4th grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
Exploring Homographs
Lesson plan
Exploring Homographs
There's no shortage of homographs in the English language, making them a fun topic to explore with your fourth graders!
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Lesson plan
Popcorn Pumice: Exploring Different Rock Densities
Science project
Popcorn Pumice: Exploring Different Rock Densities
In this popcorn experiment, students can explore how two things made out of the same material can have very different appearances and densities.
3rd grade
Science project
Soda Explosion
Activity
Soda Explosion
This 4th of July, explore fourth grade science and make some safe fireworks in your own backyard using soda pop!
4th grade
Science
Activity
Stonehenge
Worksheet
Stonehenge
Explore the most famous rock pile in the history of the world!
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Match the Nouns
Worksheet
Match the Nouns
With this worksheet students will explore word associations that include suffixes.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Three Kinds of Colonial Cornbread
Activity
Three Kinds of Colonial Cornbread
Explore Pilgrim foodways with three heritage cornbread recipes.
4th grade
Social studies
Activity