![floating sphere of water on ISS](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/iss062e004933.jpeg?w=1024)
Audience
Educators
Grade Levels
Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12
Subject
Physical Science, Gravity, Matter and Its Properties, Microgravity
Type
Lesson Plans / Activities
In fluid physics experiments aboard the space shuttle and the International Space Station, microgravity almost eliminates buoyancy. Surface tension does not depend on gravity. In this cooking oil experiment, students observe how the increase in temperature of the oil reduces surface tension. “Student reader” pages provide background information about temperature effects on surface tension. Student worksheets may be used for the assessment.
Temperature Effects on Surface Tension [199KB PDF file]
This lesson plan is part of the Microgravity Educator Guide.