Water-gliding matchsticks

Create your own tiny speedboats with this zippy kids science experiment! This is a quick and easy science project that will have your kids amazed at how simple household items can be used to learn about science. So rev up the matchsticks and get skidding today.

What you need:

• Water
• A bowl
• Liquid soap
• Wooden matchsticks

Number of players:
2+

Activity:

Pour water into the bowl.

Gently float a couple of matchsticks on the water’s surface.

Drop a small amount of dish soap into the centre of the water and watch the matches skid across the surface.

This happens because the soap creates an oily film that rushes across the water surface, pushing the matches along the way.