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Alisha shares this super simple surface tension science experiment for kids will leave your kiddos amazed!
In my home, we call this the Magic Finger trick. It’s a great way to get your toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged kiddos interested in the wonders and joys of science.
Best part – there’s no setup!
Here are 30 other great experiments to do with your preschooler!
You only need three supplies for this surface tension experiment; all of the items are found in your kitchen.
- Dish Soap
- A bowl of water
- Pepper
Begin by grabbing a bowl from your cabinet and fill it up with water at least half way.
Next, sprinkle some pepper into the bowl of water. Use enough pepper to cover the top of the water.
Then, prepare your kiddos for the amazement that is about to occur.
Simply put some dish soap on the tip of your finger and touch the middle of the water.
Voilà!
Your little ones might think it is magic…
…but in fact there is real science behind the experiment.
When the soap touches the water, the surface tension changes, and the pepper no longer floats on top. But the water molecules still want to keep the surface tension, so they pull back away from the soap, and carry the pepper along with them.
After doing the experiment and talking about surface tension, let your kiddos take a turn using their magic finger.
An extension of this surface tension experiment for kids would be to try other objects on the water.
- Would rice react the same way as the pepper?
- Would pom poms (affiliate link) be too big to react to the surface tension change?