It does not take fancy equipment to teach children about science. Observing change and the world around them gives a child many opportunities for scientific exploration.

In this activity your child will be observing how different material soak up water.
Tools and equipment:
- Small plate
- Teaspoon
- Water
- Tissue
- Sheet of plastic wrap
- Cotton cloth
- Paper towel
- Coffee filter
Procedure:
Put one teaspoon of water onto the small plate. Place the tissue over the water and count to ten. Remove the tissue and observe. Did the tissue soak up water? Is there water left on the plate? How much water was left?
Dry the plate and repeat for each of the materials.
Discussion:
Ask your child why they think that the different material soaked up different amounts of water. What is the difference between the materials? Have them feel dry pieces of the material and describe what they feel? How is that related to how well it soaked up the water?
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