Surface Tension and Suminagashi
In an activity that integrates science and art, students see, experience and harness the phenomenon of surface tension as they create beautiful works of art. Students conduct two experiments related to surface tension—floating objects on the surface of water and creating original artwork using floating inks. They also learn historical and cultural information through an introduction to the ancient Japanese art form of suminagashi. They take the topic a step further by discussing how an understanding of surface tension can be applied to solve real-world engineering problems and create useful inventions.
Surface tension makes possible the ancient art form of suminagashi as well as many modern inventions.Copyright 2013 Andrea Peterson. Used with permission. http://www.mohawkconnects.com/feltandwire/2012/01/09/andrea-peterson-gently-enlightens-us-about-suminagashi-drop-by-drop/
The importance of water tension in engineering design cannot be underestimated. Its use in ink-jet printers is well known, and water tension is also a key factor in the study of biofilms and monolayers, which are harnessed for constructive purposes in sewage treatment plants, oil spill habitat cleanup and biomedical products. In-depth study of surface tension has also led to an entirely new research specialty called surface science or surface chemistry. In this activity, students see how inks float on the surface of water and apply that tangible understanding to discussions about how engineers might deal with oil spills or other situations involving the surfaces of lakes and oceans. Students also make the connection between science and aesthetics as they see the role of surface tension in the creation of stunning works of art.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define water surface tension.
- Explain how surface tension can affect objects such as paperclips and ink.
- Describe why ink forms circular shapes when applied to the surface of water.
- Relate how a process used to make art prints could be applied in a similar manner to clean up oil spills.