In this 50-minute module, we introduce the concept of surface tension to students through three simple experiments: In the first experiment, students attempt to place as many drops of clean water as they can on a penny and learn that it is something called surface tension holding the blob of water together. In the second experiment, students use soap to weaken the surface tension of milk and observe the induced flow patterns traced by streaks of food coloring. In the third part, students apply the knowledge gained from the first two parts and repeat the first experiment using soapy water. Students will also practice aspects of the scientific method in this lesson.
| Module details | |
|---|---|
| Topics |
Engineering
|
| Best-suited audience |
Sixth Grade to Eighth Grade (approximately ages 11-14)
|
| Interactive? |
Yes
|
| Approx. time requirement | 50 minutes |
| AIChE community affiliation |
Mid-Michigan AIChE Local Section
|
| Approx. # of volunteers |
2-3
|
| Recommended audience size |
30
|
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