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This simple experiment explores surface tension, using just a few basic household materials & quick, easy setup.
Grade Level: K - 8 (done as a demonstration for younger students; older students can carry out the activities on their own in small groups)
Time: 10 - 30 minutes (depending on how in-depth of a lesson you do & whether you do more than 1 version)
Learning Standards: 2-PS1-2, K-2-ETS1-2
What we are Learning?
What we are Learning?
Surface Tension
Scientific Method and the importance of repeating experiments
Data collection and analysis
Materials Needed
Materials Needed
Pennies (or other coins with smooth edges)
Eye droppers or pipettes
Water
Copies of score sheets or scrap paper
Pencils
How is it done?
How is it done?
This activity is pretty straight forward: each competitor takes a turn dropping water droplets onto their own penny (be sure the pennies have no nicks on the edges). Count the number of drops for each competitor - the person that gets the most drops wins! While carrying out science experiments, it is often important to repeat the procedure more than once. The score sheet below allows each player to take three turns and then find the average.
What to Expect?
What to Expect?
Students may be excited, so emphasize that this takes patients and a steady hand.
Practice is key
Results may vary
Pennies and Water Score Sheet.pdfExtensions
Extensions
Try again using different water temperatures and observing if there is any change. You can also try using different coins or objects, like paperclips or larger coins.
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