Project Ideas Project Guide Ask An Expert Blog Science Careers Teachers Parents Students
All STEM Activities

Lights, Camera, (Capillary) Action!

Active Time
10-20 minutes
Total Project Time
10-20 minutes
Key Concepts
Adhesion, cohesion, surface tension gravity
capillary action of colored water between two glass plates

Introduction

How do trees suck water all the way up to their leaves? How do paper towels soak up a spill? Are these things related? Try this project to learn about capillary action, and repeat a classic demonstration from over 100 years ago!

Credits

Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,150 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Two small picture frames with glass covers
  • Paper clips (2)
  • Rubber band
  • Tray or plate
  • Water
  • Food coloring
  • Dish towel
Next: Instructions

Reviews

|
Was this review helpful?
Report Inappropriate Comment
Be the first one to review this activity.
Active Time
10-20 minutes
Total Project Time
10-20 minutes
Key Concepts
Adhesion, cohesion, surface tension gravity
Log In to Leave a Review

You can find this page online at: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/capillary-action

QR code

You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. For any other use, please contact Science Buddies.