Powering a Raft with Surface Tension: Weekly Science Activity
In this week's spotlight: a physics family science experiment that investigates the dynamics of surface tension. Surface tension may keep your soda from spilling over the cup when you fill it a bit too full, but can surface tension also be used to propel something? In this science activity, students build a small, lightweight raft and experiment to see how surface tension—and some dish soap—can help move it across the surface of water.
- Build a Bathtub Toy Raft Powered by Surface Tension (Science Buddies science activity)
- Build a Raft Powered by Surface Tension (full Science Buddies Project Idea)
- Surface Tension Science: Build a Raft Powered by Soap (science activity at Scientific American)