Hydrophobic Water Strider Surface Tension Wire

25 mins Ages 4-6 Indoor

A playful, screen-free adventure designed to spark curiosity, sensory exploration, and fine motor skills for kids aged 4 to 6.

Materials Needed

  • • Thin craft wire (26–28 gauge) or standard paperclips (3 units)
  • • Wide glass or ceramic bowl (1 unit)
  • • Metal dinner fork (1 unit)
  • • Handheld magnifying glass (1 unit)

Pro Tips

  • → Bend thin craft wire into a 6-legged bug with horizontal feet pads; wire is denser than water, but surface tension keeps it afloat.
  • → Rest the wire bug on the prongs of a fork and gently lower it horizontally onto the water surface.
  • → Look closely with a magnifying glass to see how the water bends like an elastic skin under each wire foot.

Safety First

Ensure thin craft wire ends are smooth to avoid skin pokes.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Step 1

Bend three 6 cm pieces of thin craft wire into a 6-legged bug with wide horizontal foot pads.

2

Step 2

Fill a clean glass bowl to the very brim with still tap water.

3

Step 3

Rest the wire insect on a flat fork and gently lower it until the feet touch the water, then slide the fork out.

4

Step 4

Use a magnifying glass to inspect the dimples in the water surface holding the metal insect aloft.

What they are learning

Water surface tension skin properties Biological insect leg adaptations Cohesive hydrogen bonding