Even though we think of
water as running
downhill, water can flow
upward by using a
process called capillary
action. Capillary action is
the very scientific
principal that explains
how water goes from the
soil upwards into the
stem of a plant. Plants
contain many veins like
tubes. They carry water
from a plant's roots up to
the plants leaves via
capillary action.

You will need:
* Plastic Wrap
* Knitting needle
* Tape
*Food coloring
*Glass
*Water

Wrap some plastic wrap
around a knitting needle
and then tape the edges
so that you have a tube
shaped object. But
remember, the narrower
tube, the better the
capillary effect will be.
Once you have taped the
plastic wrap, pull out your
knitting needle. Make
sure that the new plastic
tube is not bent and is
open at both ends of the
tube.
Now that you have done
that, pour a little food
coloring into a glass half
filled with water, and the
food coloring can be any
color.
Now you have to place
your plastic tube into the
glass of water.
Examine the tube very
carefully. The dye you put
in should climb up the
tube above the level of the
liquid in the glass.

Now try the same
experiment that you did
with varying levels of
water in the glass. Does
this make a difference?
Do it at home and find out.

Back To
Experiments