Activity

Racing marbles

In this activity, students compare the viscosity of common household substances by measuring how fast marbles move through the liquids.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

  • set up and carry out a test, keeping variables constant

  • use a graph to communicate their results

  • apply their understandings about viscosity to everyday situations.

6 marbles, mainly blue coloured on a pale background.

Marbles

See how fast your marbles move through different common household liquids.

Rights: Public domain Creative Commons CCO

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

  • introduction/background notes

  • what you need

  • what to do

  • discussion questions

  • extension idea

  • marble time chart.

Related content

Supporting this activity, explore some of big science ideas and concepts behind what viscosity is.

Published:12 April 2010