Stretch the Surface of Water

It may be hard to believe, but you can stretch the surface of water. See just how far you can stretch it in this science project for kids on states of matter.

Stretch the surface of water.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
See how far you can stretch the surface of water.

What You'll Need:
  • Small plastic cup
  • Water
  • Eyedropper

Step 1: Fill a small plastic cup all the way to the top with water.

Step 2: Hold an eyedropper filled with water close to the surface of the water in the plastic cup, and gently release the water drop by drop.

How many drops can you add to the plastic cup after it is "full"? Can you see that the water level actually rises above the top of the cup? Water molecules attract one another strongly so that the water holds together.

Water drops are more elastic than you think. Go to the next page to find out how you can splice and reconnect them.

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