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.
Students will engage in a STEM challenge to design a truck powered by a chemical reaction that will have to stop within a specific drop-off zone. Teams will be challenged with various payloads to earn bonus points if they can stop in the drop-off zone.
