Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Measuring the Surface Tension of Water
Did you know that when you dip your finger in water and pull it out, the water is actually pulling back on you? Here's a way you can measure how much.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Surface Tension and Its Practical Applications
Learn what surface tension is, how it works, and its practical applications.
Middle School Science
Middle School Science: "Sinkin' Lincoln" Lab (Lesson Plan)
In this lesson plan site, students will "Define surface tension, determine what factors affect surface tension, and collect data on how many drops of water a penny can hold."
Hunkins Experiments
Hunkin's Experiments: Surface Tension
Hunkin's Experiments is a group of simple cartoon illustrations of scientific principles. Some would work well in the classroom, but others have little value beyond entertaining students. All of the projects are easy to do. These two are...
Wolfram Research
Wolfram Science World: Surface Tension
The concept of surface tension is explained and the formula used to calculate it is presented. Includes an example of using the equation, and a table of surfaces tensions is given.
Science Fun for Everyone
Science Fun: Surface Tension Art
Watch Scientist Joe fashion art out of water, paint, and surface tension. Links to video of the experiment.
Science Bob Pflugfelder
Science Bob: Make a Paperclip Float!
Presents a procedure for getting a paper clip to float in water. Following the procedure, the site gives a brief explanation and discussion of surface tension.
Science Struck
Science Struck: An in Depth Comparison of Cohesion vs. Adhesion
Explains what cohesion and adhesion are; what their effects are in a liquid; what surface tension, a meniscus, and capillary action are; and gives examples of where one can observe cohesion and adhesion.
Science Struck
Science Struck: The Concept and Meaning of Capillary Action
Defines capillary action and discusses its applications. The physics of surface tension, cohesion, and adhesion are explained and a simple experiment is provided. Includes a number of examples where capillary action takes place.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Bubble Ology
Making your own bubble solution is fun, but sometimes the bubbles don't seem to work as well as the solutions you buy in the store. In this experiment you can test if adding corn syrup or glycerin to your bubble solution will make it...
TOPS Learning Systems
Tops Learning Systems: Top Science: Water Domes [Pdf]
Investigate the cohesive tension on the surface of water.
Science Bob Pflugfelder
Science Bob: Make a Paper Clip Float [Pdf]
Science activity demonstrates how surface tension is used to suspend a paperclip on the surface of water.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Scientific American: Science Safari: Fighting Malaria
Explore the issues surrounding the mosquito infestations. Investigate surface tension to explain how the egg rafts stay afloat and mosquitoes are able to stand on the water's surface, and review proper disposal of automobile tires.
Bill Nye
Bill Nye: Float Your Metal Boat
This experiment from Bill Nye shows that breaking the surface tension of a body of water can provide enough energy to propel a boat (or an insect!).
Science Bob Pflugfelder
Science Bob: Build a Soap Powered Model Boat
Science Bob presents instructions for a science demonstration of how to build a soap-powered model boat using common supplies with information on how it works.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Bubble Tray: Create Giant Bubbles
With this fun bubble tray experiment, students create giant bubbles and learn about surface tension and light interference.
Curated OER
Science Kids: Science Images: Surface Tension
This excellent photo shows how the idea of surface tension works. A paper clip sits on top of the liquid in a glass, you can clearly see a skin which holds the paper clip above the surface.
US Geological Survey
Usgs: Capillary Action
Capillary is described and explained. It is related to surface tension. Examples in botany and human physiology are given.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Engineering for the Earth
Young students are introduced to the complex systems of the Earth through numerous lessons on its natural resources, processes, weather, climate and landforms. Key earth science topics include rocks, soils and minerals, water and natural...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Mentos, Soda, and Nucleation
In this lesson, Mentos candy and different types of soda are used to show examples of nucleation, surface tension, surface area, polar attractions, and supersaturated materials. A video will be used to show the examples and the students...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Magic Milk
This lesson plan is designed to engage students in a discussion and demonstration of molecules, surface tension, and bonding. Students will use hands on materials as well as technology. This lesson plan shows how a solution works to...
Science Fun for Everyone
Science Fun: Snow Fluff
Watch Scientist Joe demonstrate how to make snow in your kitchen in this video presentation.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Magic Magnetic Fluid
Students are introduced to a unique fluid--ferrofluids--the shape of which can be influenced by magnetic fields. This activity supplements traditional magnetism activities and offers comparisons between large-scale materials and...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Flying High: Taking to the Air
Explore the science of surface tension, the evolution of flight in insects and insects' anatomical adaptations. Construct insect models that illustrate the action of these adaptations and calculate the force per unit area of water surface.