Skip to Content

Properties of Water

Play Video
alli teachers walking water - Properties of Water
triangles

In this experiment, students investigate the unique properties of water through two engaging activities. The first, “Walking Water,” explores capillary action and how water can travel against gravity due to its cohesive and adhesive properties. Colored water moves across paper towels from full cups to empty ones, demonstrating water’s ability to move through narrow spaces.

The second activity, “Drops on a Penny,” compares the surface tension of water and isopropyl alcohol by counting how many drops can sit on a penny before spilling over. This highlights the electrostatic forces and cohesion of water molecules, showing that water has a much stronger surface tension than alcohol. Together, these experiments provide a hands-on understanding of how water behaves at the molecular level.

Learning Objectives

  • Standards Alignment + Connections

  • How to Run the Experiment

  • Additional Resources

    Simulations

    Properties of Water by Glencoe (requires Adobe Flash)


    Keep Going! Your Students May Also Enjoy...

    The Next Generation of Innovators

    The Next Generation of Innovators

    Students will learn about the traits that make up a strong innovator and match their innovator traits to real careers.

    Grade Level: Grades 5-9

    Subject: Biology and Life Sciences

    Medtronic Spark Explore Mobile Experience

    Medtronic Spark Explore Mobile Experience

    Enter the operating room and work together to design the pacemaker of the future!

    Grade Level: Grades 5-9

    Subject: Biology and Life Sciences , Engineering

    The Spark of Life

    The Spark of Life

    Students will learn about the parts of the heart and engage in a hands-on activity that simulates how the heart pumps and how a pacemaker helps regulate heart rhythm.

    Grade Level: Grades 5-9

    Subject: Biology and Life Sciences

    Curriculum Unit: From Molecules to Organisms

    How Did It Go? Send Us Feedback (or Pics)!

    Join the Mission