Surface Tension Project for Kids
Learning the fundamental concepts of surface tension is critical to understanding the behavior of water. Surface tension is defined as liquid molecules undergoing uneven cohesion, according to the Free Dictionary. As a result of certain pressures placed upon water, the liquid will behave in distinct ways.
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Bubbles
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The surface tension of liquid prohibits anyone from grasping, holding, stretching or otherwise forming it physically by hand. Alternatively, outside conditions upon water can cause water -- and the outside condition itself -- to physically change. Ask a child to coat his hands in liquid soap and stick them into a bowl of water. After the child removes his hands he will see bubbles form. This test is an example of how soap molecules reduce in size when combined with water, thus creating spherical bubble-like shapes.
Magnification
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Using water as a magnifier is a creative way to show kids how surface tension can bend light. Filling a clear plastic bag with water and placing it atop an open magazine, for example, will cause the letters to enlarge. Specifically, looking at the letters through the bag is an example of how the surface tension of the water reflects light while rounding and enlarging the letters.
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Hair
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It is also important to show students how liquids affect the surface tension of other objects -- hair, for example. Ask kids to notice the texture or their hair when it is dry -- specifically how loose each follicle of hair is. Getting the kids' hair wet immediately strengthens the surface tension of hair, expanding the follicles and making them adhere to one another.
Motion
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The surface tension of water causes soap bubbles to spread. The reason for this is that soap molecules are lighter than those of water. Placing a small block of Styrofoam -- with a V-shape cut into it -- into the water is an ideal project to demonstrate motion. Place a drop of soap into the water at the tip of the V. Have students watch the bubbles move out into the water -- away from the hard surface tension of the foam -- thus resulting in propulsion that moves the boat forward.
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References
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