Exploring Surface Tension: Simple and Fun STEM Experiment
Surface tension is a remarkable property of water that allows it to behave like an elastic sheet. Our latest YouTube video demonstrates engaging and easy-to-do STEM experiments that help children understand surface tension using everyday household items like paper pins, tissue paper, and water.
Watch the full experiment here:
In this video, children in grades 4 to 7 will discover how surface tension allows certain objects to float and behave in unexpected ways on water. These hands-on experiments make a complex scientific concept accessible, encouraging curiosity and observation.
Experiments Featured in the Video:
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Paper Pin Floating on Water
By carefully placing a paper pin on the surface of water, children will see that despite the pin’s density being higher than water, it can float. This happens because surface tension creates a ‘skin’ on the water’s surface strong enough to hold lightweight objects, a fascinating phenomenon that defies initial expectations. -
Tissue Paper and Water Interaction
The video also shows how placing tissue paper on water demonstrates how water molecules stick together. As the tissue absorbs water and sinks, it reveals the cohesive forces between water molecules, making surface tension visible in action. -
Surface Tension Effects in Everyday Life
The experiments also help kids understand how surface tension plays a role in real life, from water droplets forming beads on surfaces to insects walking on water. Recognizing these everyday examples helps children connect science to their surroundings.
Why Understanding Surface Tension is Valuable:
Learning about surface tension builds foundational knowledge in physics and chemistry, improving scientific literacy from a young age. These experiments promote critical thinking by encouraging students to predict outcomes, observe closely, and explain their findings based on evidence.
Perfect for STEM educators, parents, and homeschooling families, this video provides safe, educational, and exciting science activities that foster exploration and wonder.
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