Challenge 013 · Ages 6–10
Magic Milk
Discover surface tension using milk and soap.
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.
Primary STEAM area
Science
The Challenge
What will your learner investigate?
Can you use milk, colouring and soap to reveal the effects of surface tension?
Learning outcomes
- Describe surface tension through observation.
- Make predictions and record patterns of movement.
- Connect soap's effect to interactions between liquids and fats.
Connected learning
Science: liquids, surface tension and mixtures; Art: colour and pattern; Mathematics: pattern recognition; English: prediction and explanation.
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
- Milk
- food colouring
- washing-up liquid
- cotton buds.
Equipment, tools & software
- Shallow dishes
- droppers
- protective table covering.
Safety & preparation
- Check dairy sensitivities
- do not taste materials.
These preparation notes support planning and do not replace a project-specific risk assessment or appropriate adult supervision.