Make a Wire Critter That Can Walk on Water

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In this activity, learners make water-walking critters using thin wire, and then test how many paper clips these critters can carry without sinking. Watch the Science Friday video "Stroke of the Water Strider" on this page to learn about a robot that was inspired by insects' ability to travel on the surface of water.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
    • Technology
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Evolution
      • Mechanisms of Evolution
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Zych, Ariel

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Science Friday,