Bring a burst of excitement to your science lessons with our National Science Week: Pepper & Soap Experiment! This simple yet powerful experiment introduces students to the concept of surface tension in a way that’s visual, interactive, and highly engaging. It also offers a timely opportunity to discuss hygiene, cleanliness, and scientific observation - all while having fun during National Science Week.

Using basic household items, students will observe how dish soap affects the way pepper behaves on water. With guided worksheets to support prediction, procedure, observation, and reflection, this activity encourages deep thinking and hands-on learning. It’s the perfect combination of science content and inquiry skill development for Foundation to Year 2 learners.

Whether used as a class demonstration or small group investigation, the Pepper & Soap Experiment will spark curiosity and lead to meaningful discussion. It’s an accessible science experience that blends real-world application with important scientific principles.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Understand the concept of surface tension and how soap interacts with water
• ✅ Make predictions and record observations in a structured way
• ✅ Explore the scientific process through hands-on investigation
• ✅ Use descriptive language to explain changes and reactions
• ✅ Reflect on how science applies to hygiene and everyday life

What’s Included:

• Student worksheets with sections for prediction, observation, and reflection
• Step-by-step procedure guide using simple materials
• Clear visuals to support understanding and independent work
• Extension and creative application suggestions

Materials Needed:

• Plate or shallow bowl (1 per group or demo)
• Water
• Ground black pepper
• Dishwashing liquid
• Cotton bud or student fingertip
• Printed worksheets for recording learning

How to Use:

1. Begin with a class discussion on surface tension and cleanliness.
2. Have students complete the prediction section on the worksheet.
3. Guide students through the experiment step-by-step, starting with plain water and pepper.
4. Touch the water with clean fingers or a cotton bud to observe no movement.
5. Repeat the step with soap on the finger or bud and observe the sudden pepper movement.
6. Students record their observations, compare with their predictions, and reflect on what happened.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a demonstration for a whole-class science discussion on hygiene
• 💡 Include in your National Science Week rotations for hands-on inquiry
• 💡 Pair with health lessons to discuss how soap removes germs and breaks down oils
• 💡 Encourage students to act out the experiment steps with visuals or movement
• 💡 Connect to literacy by writing an explanation or creating a comic strip about the experiment

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Conduct the activity on trays or a protected surface to make cleanup easy
• 💛 Allow students to repeat the experiment in small groups for deeper understanding
• 💛 Model rich vocabulary such as “repel,” “scatter,” or “break the surface”
• 💛 Use this experiment as a springboard to discuss other water-based properties

The Pepper & Soap Experiment is an exciting and effective way to explore science in action. It combines inquiry, observation, and real-world relevance, making it a standout addition to your National Science Week or everyday classroom investigations.

Be sure to check out our other National Science Week resources!