Science Experiments for Kids
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Waterproof a Chicken Investigation

By 20 Comments

This is a brilliant investigation for finding out how waterproof different materials are.

I printed a picture of a chicken and asked the children to colour it in, then gave them a selection of materials to protect the chicken from water.

chicken image printed on paper with lots of different materials over the top for a science investigation

What you need

  • Paper with a picture on it.
  • Materials such as kitchen roll, plastic, bubble wrap, and greaseproof paper cut into squares.
  • Water
  • Glue
Image of a chicken on A4 paper

Instructions

Place the squares of material over the picture.

Sprinkle water over the picture and see which types of material repel the water the most. Z put several layers on his after realising his first layer wasn’t going to be waterproof enough. He was very proud when his chicken stayed dry, though.

chicken drawing on paper. The paper is covered in different types of materials and water has been sprinkled on top

Afterwards, we talked about how the waterproof materials felt different to the others. Z said they were shinier and harder to break.

Can you think of anything else you can waterproof?

The Science Bit

Waterproof objects cannot be penetrated by water. Rubber and wax are examples of natural waterproof coatings that are often used to make materials waterproof.

Can you think of any more waterproof materials? Is your coat waterproof? What’s it made of?

 Suitable for Key Stage 1

Last Updated on February 28, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Multiple Mummy

    I love this! I am going to have a go at this with Noah!

    Reply

    • ScienceSparks

      Yay, glad you like it

      Reply

  2. sarahmumof3

    what a great activity fun and learning together is always the best 🙂 x

    Reply

    • ScienceSparks

      Thanks Sarah, i just read your learning post 🙂

      Reply

  3. Carrie

    What a wonderful activity. Teaches so much. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday! Have a wonderful week!

    Reply

    • ScienceSparks

      Thank you, so glad you liked it.

      Reply

  4. Katy

    Great to find a site with science ideas.

    Reply

  5. karenloutzenhiser

    So happy to have found your site. It looks like tons of fun for my little budding scientists! I posted your button on my sidebar and am a new subscriber!
    Warmly,
    Karen
    http://www.layers-of-learning.com

    Reply

    • ScienceSparks

      Thank you, I will pop over and take a look at yours. x

      Reply

  6. cathy @ nurturestore

    Thanks for sharing this with the Kids Co-op. I love how your projects are all so hands on and the kids can really join in 🙂

    Reply

    • ScienceSparks

      Thanks Cathy, it means a lot that you like our activities. x

      Reply

  7. Ticia

    We did a variation on this once and it was really fun. It looks like yours was more effective though because ours eventually got all wet.

    Thanks for linking up to Science Sunday!

    Reply

  8. Ana

    This is such a great idea for exploring this concept with kids! Thank you!

    Reply

  9. Zena's Suitcase

    Love this activity! We are going to be using this in home school this week

    Reply

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