Pennies & Water Take 2

• Surface Tension

• Scientific Method and the importance of repeating experiments

• Data collection and analysis

• Pennies (or other coins with smooth edges)

• Cups with smooth edges, these can be disposable cups

• Water

• Pitcher or jug to refill water

• Tray to catch water that spills

• Copies of score sheets or scrap paper

• Pencils 

In this activity, each player drops pennies one by one into a full glass of water (be sure to count your pennies as you drop them in!).  As the pennies go in, the surface tension becomes more and more evident.  Once the water spills over, you have completed the round.  

• Make sure your glass is on a smooth, even surface.  

• Be sure to have a pitcher or extra glass of water to refill the cup for the next player. 

• It is also a good idea to have a large bowl to dump your glass to get the pennies out and restart.  

• Dry pennies may be easier to work with, so be sure to have a towel handy. 

• The tracking sheet below can be utilized for multiple participants for 3 rounds of play.

• Expect water to spill!! Take precautions or work outdoors. 

• Students may be excited, so emphasize that this takes patients and a steady hand.

• Practice is key

• Results may vary