Challenge 012 · Ages 6–10
Walking Water
Explore capillary action using coloured water.
Recommended Guided Learning Time: 1 hour
Learners may require additional or fewer hours depending on age, prior experience, pace and the level of development they choose to take their project to.
The recommended guided learning time excludes passive observation, growing or waiting periods when active educator support is not required.
Primary STEAM area
Science
The Challenge
What will your learner investigate?
Can you make coloured water travel between containers without pouring it?
Learning outcomes
- Explain capillary action in simple terms.
- Observe and record changes over time.
- Use evidence to connect the investigation to water movement in plants and materials.
Connected learning
Science: capillary action and plant transport; Mathematics: time and volume; Art: colour mixing; English: observation vocabulary.
Dream Areas
Prepare for this Challenge
What you'll need
Here's what may be useful for completing this activity. Requirements may vary depending on the learner, activity format and equipment available.
Materials & consumables
- Water
- food colouring
- kitchen roll
- clear cups.
Equipment, tools & software
- Tray
- measuring jug
- stopwatch
- observation sheet.
Safety & preparation
- Protect surfaces from dye
- do not drink experimental water.
These preparation notes support planning and do not replace a project-specific risk assessment or appropriate adult supervision.