A drop of dew holds a sphere shape even when sitting on a seat thanks to the surface tension of water. Learners observe the phenomena of surface tension in water. Through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and discussions they explore how the polarity of water gives it a strong surface tension. 

Concepts

surface tension, polarity, water molecules

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Complete the water droplets on a penny portion of the activity at the beginning of the year to review the scientific method; repeat again in this lesson, this time looking for an explanation of why the water sticks to itself
• Place classes in pairs or small groups for the lesson

Classroom Considerations

• Uses isopropyl alcohol; be sure to follow all safety guidelines in lab and for your classroom/school
• Part two in a series of nine

• This resource is only available on an unencrypted HTTP website.It should be fine for general use, but don’t use it to share any personally identifiable information

Pros

• Activity includes extension ideas
• Includes activity sheet and answer key
• Provides pre-scripted questions for teachers throughout the lesson

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.4 RST.6-8.7 WHST.6-8.1.a WHST.6-8.1.b WHST.6-8.1.c WHST.6-8.1.d WHST.6-8.1.e