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Surface Tension in Water Experiment

Water molecules are polar. This means they have a positive end and a negative end. In this activity, your student can see how surface tension works and amaze everyone by floating a paper clip on the surface of the water!
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time15 minutes
Author: Michelle

Materials

  • 1 small bowl of water. Fill about 3/4 full of water
  • 1 Sheet of paper towel.
  • 1 Small paper clip

Instructions

  • Drop the paper clip directly into the water. What happens?
  • Thoroughly dry the paper clip.
  • Fold the paper towel as shown in the photo.
    Put paper clip on paper towel and lower into the water.
  • Put the paper clip in the center of the folded paper towel.
  • Slowly and gently lower the paper towel into the water and wait as it absorbs the water. The paper towel will begin to drop into the water.
  • Slowly remove the paper towel up one side of the bowl, and be careful not to touch the paper clip.
  • The paper clip will then float!