How Many Drops of Water will Fit on a Penny?

This is a great investigation that Kid Scientists of all ages can participate in.  Read on for extensions for Big Kid Scientists.

Materials: eye dropper or pipette,  penny,  cup of water,  towel (the cat is optional…Rooney was helping)

 Procedure:

• Ask Kid Scientists to predict how many drops of water will fit on a penny.  Little Kid scientists should record their prediction.  Big Kid Scientists can grab this lab report to record their thinking.
• Using room temperature water, carefully add drops of water to the top of the penny, counting how many fit.
• How close was your prediction?

Extensions for Little Kid Scientists:

• Will you be able to fit more drops with cold water or warm water?
• Will you be able to fit more drops on the “heads” side or the “tails” side?
• Will you be able to fit more drops on a clean penny or a dirty penny?
• What questions do you want to test?

Extensions for Big Kid Scientists:

• Big Kid Scientists can grab this new investigation to test coin size
• Research and write a scientific explanation of why so many drops of water will fit on a penny

 

As always, The Science Mommy would love to hear about your investigation.  Let me know how it turns out!