Speedboat matchsticks experiment

Science experiments are fun to do and great for children to learn. Try this simple science experiment that will teach your children about surface tension.

What you need:

• Water
• Bowl
• Dishwashing liquid
• Matchsticks

Number of players:

Activity:

Fill a bowl with water and place a few matchsticks in the water.

Drop in smalls amount of dishwashing liquid into the centre of the bowl and watch the matches shoot across the surface of the water like power boats.

Notes

• The dishwashing liquid creates an oily film that covers the water, breaking down the surface tension of the water and pushing the matches away.