Runaway pepper experiment

Watch as the pesky pepper races across the surface of the water trying to outrun the soap chasing it. Your kids will find this science experiment fascinating as they learn about surface tension and the wonders of science. The best thing is you don’t need anything other than what you already have in the kitchen!

What you need:

• A bowl
• Ground pepper
• Dishwashing liquid
• Water

Number of players:
1+

Activity:

Fill the bowl with water.

Toss some ground pepper across the water’s surface.

Add a drop or two of dishwashing liquid and watch what happens!

Notes

• Why does the pepper race away from the soap? This happens because the dishwashing liquid breaks the water’s surface tension, allowing the water to pull the pepper away from the soap. Amazing isn’t it?