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    Home » Early Years Science » How waterproof is it?

    How waterproof is it?

    January 22, 2014 By Emma Vanstone 15 Comments

    This mini science activity is great for learning about properties of materials, particularly how waterproof they are. It can be messy but works well as an outdoor or bathtime activity.

    The idea is to cover small soft toys in different materials to find out which have waterproof properties.

    Equipment

    • A container
    • Water
    • Small soft toys
    • Materials to test, eg. foil, paper, food bag, fabric
    • Sellotape
    two soft toys outdoors sat next to masking tape, kitchen foil and fabric for a science activity about properties of materials

    Method

    Half-fill the container with water.

    • Wrap a dry, soft toy in one of the test materials. Check for gaps where water can seep in.
    • Carefully place the wrapped toy in the water for a few seconds.
    • Remove the toy, and check to see if it is dry.

    Variables

    Things to keep constant.

    Amount of time the test material is in the water.

    Time the test material is in the water.

    Amount of test material used.

    Results

    Assess whether the toy is wet by feeling it or weighing it before and after submerging it.

    soft toys under water in a plastic bag for a waterproofing experiment

    What is a material?

    The word ‘material’ just means what an object is made from. Examples of materials are plastic, fabric, metal, wood, etc.

    Different materials have different properties, which make them useful for different functions. For example, glass is used in windows because it is transparent; you can see through it.

    Water cannot penetrate waterproof materials. We would expect the foil and plastic bag to be waterproof, as this is what makes them useful for wrapping food, keeping it dry and protecting it from smells. Raincoats often have a plastic coating because plastic is waterproof.

    We would not expect the tea towel to be waterproof as tea towels are absorbent, which makes them great for drying dishes.

    What are natural waterproof materials?

    Rubber and wax are examples of natural waterproof coatings that are used to make materials waterproof. Leaves often have a waxy coating to protect the leaf and help it retain water.

    Can you think of any more?

    This activity is great for Key Stage 1 – Properties of Materials.

    Similar activities

    Can you waterproof a chicken? This activity uses a paper chicken covered in different test materials to find out which is the most waterproof.

    Last Updated on October 18, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

    « Numeracy at Home Box
    Fun with Rulers – Challenge and Discover »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalie @AfterschoolForSmartyPants

      January 24, 2014 at 3:04 am

      This is a fun idea!

      Reply
    2. Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories

      January 25, 2014 at 4:32 pm

      This would be a perfect science activity for bath time.

      Reply
    3. Susanna

      January 26, 2014 at 12:17 pm

      Another lovely lesson from Science Sparks! x

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        January 26, 2014 at 6:28 pm

        Thanks Susanna.

        Reply
    4. Cakesphotoslife (Angie)

      January 26, 2014 at 12:20 pm

      I wish you were around when my children were smaller, so simple but a great way to teach them x

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        January 26, 2014 at 6:28 pm

        Awww, thank you. x

        Reply
    5. Boo Roo and Tigger Too

      January 26, 2014 at 12:50 pm

      A fun way to teach children about different waterproof materials

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        January 26, 2014 at 6:28 pm

        Thanks Sarah 🙂

        Reply
    6. HPMcQ

      January 26, 2014 at 4:44 pm

      brilliant and simple way to show children how this works.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        January 26, 2014 at 6:27 pm

        Thank You. x

        Reply
    7. Pinkoddy

      January 26, 2014 at 6:57 pm

      My boys are really into this kind of thing and it will follow on nicely from our sink and float experiment – thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    8. becky

      January 29, 2014 at 7:12 am

      Fab idea! so well explained too and kids do so love playing with water

      Reply

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