Water Bridge Experiment

Objective
Introduce cohesion and adhesion. Develop problem solving skills. Introduce the
properties of water molecules. Develop hypothesis and testing skills.
Materials

plastic cups
scissors
tape
yarn
water
Process

1. Set two cups (one half filled with water) three feet away from each other.
2. Ask students to use the string to transfer water from one cup into the other
without directly pouring one into the other and while keeping them three feet
apart.
3. After three minutes, explain the solution
4. submerge the string in water to get it wet.
5. tape the end of one the string to the bottom of the empty cup
6. put the other end of the string into the cup with the water.
7. Carefully pour the water down the string (it should adhere to the string and run
down the string into the other cup.
Safety
Floors can become slippery when wet. Keep paper towels on hand and
immediately wipe up spills. Use adult supervision when using scissors to cut
string.
Define adhesion and cohesion and ask the students if they now understand why

the experiment works. If not, explain it to them. Then ask, how could you use
this idea in your daily life? Pouring water into your dogs bowl? Can you think of
any other examples of adhesion and cohesion in your daily life? Soaking up
water with a paper towel? Raindrops on your windshield? Plants- capillary
action. Cohesion and adhesion in a straw.
Conclusion
Things to Look Out For/ Failures:
This experiment can get very messy and very slippery, very, very quickly! It is best
to cover the table with thick beach towels or conduct the experiment over large
plastic bins. Give the students ample time. It is likely that none of them are familiar
with this experiment, so give them a change to try engineering it themselves, first.