In the first experiment, students applied drops of water on four different materials to observe how water behaved differently on each surface.  The students tested water on wax paper, aluminum foil, paper, and paper towel.

Surface Tension

To learn about surface tension, students added drops of water on top to a penny.  They were surprised to find how many drops would fit before the water fell off the penny.  Surface tension at work!

Students found that adding salt to the water strengthened surface tension, and adding soap to the water weakened the surface tension.

Students observed how a bottle of green room temperature water changed when added to a glass of ice cold water and then a glass of hot water.  They found that the water contracted when added to cold water and expanded when added to hot water.  A straw attached to the top of the room temperature bottle helped students observe the contraction and expansion of the green water.