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Activity (Hands-On)Grades 5 - 7

Oil and Water: Washing Up with Surfactants

Materials List

Each group needs:

  • cooking oil, 2 tablespoons (approximately 30 mL)
  • finely ground coffee beans, 2 tablespoons (approximately 30 mL)
  • sink with running water
  • hand soap
  • 4 paper towels
  • stopwatch
  • smocks

To share with the entire class:

  • (optional) microscopes, to closely examine skin
  • (optional) computer with Internet access, to show students a YouTube video