Teaching a lesson about polymers or looking for a fun experiment for your classroom? Look no further than the “pencil through a bag of water” experiment! This quick and easy activity is a favorite among students and requires minimal materials that you likely already have on hand.
To set up the experiment, all you need are sharpened pencils, plastic ziplock bags, and water. Simply fill a plastic bag with water and make sure it is securely closed. Then, show your students the pencils and ask them to predict what will happen when you try to poke the pencil through the bag. It’s always a fun and exciting moment for the kids!
The science behind the experiment lies in the concept of polymers. Polymers are long chains of molecules that form flexible structures. When you poke a sharp pencil through the bag of water, it slides between the polymer molecules, creating a seal that prevents the water from leaking out. You can further engage your students by asking them to predict what will happen when you pull the pencil out (be sure to have a bucket ready, just in case!).
For a visual guide, you can watch the step-by-step video instructions provided in this post. Additionally, you can download a free experiment worksheet for your students by filling out the form on the page.
If you’re looking for more experiment ideas, be sure to check out our comprehensive list of experiments. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletters for more educational articles and resources like this one.
Overall, the “pencil through a bag of water” experiment is a simple yet effective way to demonstrate the properties of polymers in a hands-on and engaging manner. Give it a try in your classroom and watch your students’ excitement grow!
