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Water striders (also called water bugs, pond skippers, etc.) are insects that can hop around on the surface of water (Figure 1). Unlike boats or other floating objects that are partially submerged and held up by the resulting buoyant force, water striders are held up by surface tension.
It depends on a force called surface tension, which acts on the water strider's legs when they touch the water. Surface tension is a "pull" at the water's surface that occurs because water molecules are slightly attracted to each other.
students around the concepts of surface water tension and introduction to how a water strider floats. Video: Exploring the visual aids and brainstorming their thoughts/questions on surface water tension and basic structure of water striders. Activity: Will it sink or float task with water in a bowl? Develop TWLH chart after both tasks for the ...
Water striders are small insects that can walk on the surface of water without falling in or sinking (Figure 1). Their long, skinny legs spread out horizontally and are supported by the water's surface tension.
students experience a characteristic of water: surface tension ! students practice making predictions and experimenting Concepts: ! Water has a sticky skin which can support water striders and other lightweight objects. ! This sticky skin is called surface tension. Materials: ! a lid or tray ! toothpicks, one per student plus one extra
The water striders have the unique ability to distribute their weight onto their long legs in a way that the surface tension of the water is strong enough to hold them up. This is the idea that was used in creating the foil water strider.
Water striders are small insects that are adapted for life on top of still water, using surface tension to their advantage so they can “walk on water.” The atraction between water molecules creates tension and a very delicate membrane. Water striders walk on this membrane.
