This easy science activity is great for learning about how some materials absorb water, and some do not. For older children, it can be used to demonstrate capillary action.
You’ll need
- Different types of paper cut into squares. We used thin paper, thicker notebook paper and cardboard.
- LEGO men or other small toys.
- Water
Instructions:
- Fold each corner of the paper into a triangle so it looks like the one below.
Before we started, we felt each piece of paper and talked about which we thought would absorb water the easiest. My 6 year old thought the thinner paper would absorb more water faster than the cardboard.
Why does this happen?
Paper is made of lots of fibres. As the fibres absorb water, they swell making the paper expand and open up.
Different types of paper absorb water at different speeds. Thinner paper absorbs more quickly, as it has thinner fibres.
Last Updated on September 8, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
Love this, think my boys will too! Have pinned as part of the parent pin it party! 🙂
Thanks Sonya!
Love this! What a fun way to discuss absorption!
Thanks, I’m glad you like it!
This is so clever. I love the element of play in it. Will try it with my daughter as well!
Thanks Natalie xx
I must remember to dig out the lego later! Love it! Popping over from the Parenting Pin It Party !
Thanks, let me know if you try it!
Such a fun and easy way to learn about materials and absorption! The addition of the Lego men makes it even more special.
I’m glad you like it Trisha!
Super cute! My son would love this
Let us know if you try it!
So many of your ideas are going on our list of things to try in the summer holidays! xx
Do let us know how you get on 🙂
I can’t wait to do this with my boys! I’m sharing this tomorrow at the After School Linky Party; stop by to check it out and share more of your ideas and activities!
Thank you x
Great idea! I loved playing with LEGOs in the water, but this will add a lesson to it as well. And then you can have the LEGO coast guard come to rescue the guys after the experiment is done!