Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this experiment students will learn about surface tension by creating conducting an experiment using cardboard fish, water and liquid soap.
These Snappy Science resources have been created to boost science education in primary schools across Australia. Each lesson is designed to support teachers with the scientific knowledge, ideas and resources to stimulate a sense of wonder and curiosity in their students. Many of the big issues that Australian society will face in the future are around technology, energy, resources and climate change. All of these require students to engage with science – but most of all to enjoy science!
Science at Home: These Snappy Science resources can also be used to engage families in fun science and learning for life. You can download a student friendly version of this activity here and you can also check out the Snappy Science Digital Library.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking.
Australian Curriculum content description: This activity is relevant to Science Inquiry Skills across all primary year levels of the Australian Curriculum.
Year 2 Science
- Earth’s resources, including water, are used in a variety of ways (ACSSU032)
Year 5 Science
- Solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different ways (ACSSU077)
Syllabus Outcomes: ST1-9ES, ST2-7PW.
Time required: 10 – 15 minutes.
Resources required: Water, a bowl, liquid soap, cardboard, scissors.
Safety advice: Students may need assistance cutting the cardboard fish – depending on student age and ability this activity may be either a student-led experiment or a teacher-led demonstration.
Keywords: Fish, surface tension, liquid soap.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
