Learn about the surface tension of water with our simple definition below. Try these fun surface tension experiments at home or in the classroom. As always, you’ll find fantastic and easy-to-do science experiments.
Easy Surface Tension Experiments
Here are some fun ways to demonstrate the surface tension of water. Plus, all you need is a handful of common household supplies. Surface tension is a combination of chemistry and physics. Let’s play with science today!
Magic Pepper and Soap Experiment
Sprinkle some pepper in water and make it dance across the surface. This fun pepper and soap experiment will teach kids about the surface tension of water.
Bubble Snakes
Find out how you can blow up a gigantic bubble snake, all with the help of surface tension.
Drops Of Water On A Penny
A fun science activity with pennies and water. How many drops of water do you think you can get on a penny? The results might surprise you and all because of surface tension!
Floating Paperclip Experiment
How do you make a paperclip float on water? Learn about the surface tension of water with a few simple supplies.
Hydrophobic Cocoa
When you sprinkle cocoa powder on the surface of water, it floats. That’s because Cocoa is hydrophobic, meaning it doesn’t mix with water and water has surface tension—like a thin “skin” on top that holds the cocoa up.
Magic Milk Experiment
Try this color-changing milk and soap experiment. Like water, the dish soap breaks the surface tension of the milk, allowing the food coloring to spread out.
Geometric Bubbles
Explore surface tension while you blow bubbles! Make your own homemade bubble solution too!
Paper Clips In A Glass
How many paper clips fit in a glass of water? It’s all to do with surface tension!
Skittles Experiment
Why don’t the skittles colors mix in water? Explore how surface tension of water makes effects the process. Also set this up with M&Ms.
Soap Powered Boat Experiment
Explore surface tension up close as kids observe firsthand how soap influences the movement of a small boat on the water’s surface.
Bonus Activity: Water Drop Painting
Not an experiment as such but still a fun activity that combines science and art. Paint with water drops using the principle of surface tension of water.
What Is Surface Tension Of Water?
Surface tension exists on the surface of water because water molecules like to stick to each other. This force is so strong that it can help things sit on top of the water instead of sinking into it, like our pepper and soap experiment below.
The high surface tension of water allows a paper clip, with much higher density, to float on water. It also causes drops of rain to stick to your windows and is why bubbles are round. The surface tension of water also helps propel water-striding insects on the surface of ponds.
💡 Also, learn about capillary action!
Scientist Agnes Pockels discovered the science of surface tension of fluids simply by doing the dishes in her kitchen.
Despite her lack of formal training, Pockels was able to measure the surface tension of water by designing an apparatus known as the Pockels trough. This was a key instrument in the new discipline of surface science. In 1891, Pockels published her first paper, “Surface Tension,” on her measurements in Nature.
What is the scientific method?
The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is put to test with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity. Sounds heavy…
What in the world does that mean?!? The scientific method should be used as a guide to help lead the process.
You don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.
As kids develop practices that involve creating, gathering data, evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation.
💡Learn more about the scientific method and how to use it [here]
Helpful Science Resources
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
- Science Vocabulary
- All About Scientists
- Free Science Worksheets
- DIY Science Kits
- Science Tools for Kids
- Scientific Method for Kids
- Citizen Science Guide
- Join us in the Club
More Physical Science Activities
- Gravity Experiments
- Magnet Activities
- Simple Machine Projects
- Potential & Kinetic Energy
- Static Electricity
- Light Experiments
Printable Science Projects For Kids
If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!
- 90+ classic science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
- Best science practices posters and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
- Be a Collector activities pack introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
- Know the Words Science vocabulary pack includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
- My science journal writing prompts explore what it means to be a scientist!!
- Bonus STEAM Project Pack: Art meets science with doable projects!
- Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
