Mini Motors

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive

In this activity, learners make tiny paper boats powered by dishwashing liquid. Learners cut a simple boat shape, dip the back points in dishwashing liquid, and place the boat on water to observe how it moves. By testing different boat shapes and changing where the dishwashing liquid is added, learners explore how interactions between liquids can create motion and help control how small objects move.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 18
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Paper
  • Tap water
  • Large cake pan or baking sheet with raised edges
  • Scissors

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Mineral and Mining Engineering
    • Technology
      • Manufacturing
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Penn State University; The Franklin Institute

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Penn State University, 2021

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DMR-2011839

Related Videos