Which materials keep us dry? - Investigation instructions

In an engaging investigation designed to discover which materials provide the best protection against water, students are prompted to work collaboratively in groups of four. The experiment requires a collection of simple resources, including four glass jars, plastic lids, pieces of wool, cotton, and tissue paper, along with a funnel and a small bottle of water. The aim is to explore the materials that surround us and identify which ones are effective in keeping us dry.

The practical steps of the investigation involve arranging the glass jars in a line and using the funnel to test each material's ability to repel water. Students place the chosen material over the funnel and pour water from the bottle, timing how long it takes for the water to penetrate the material. This process is repeated for each material—plastic, wool, cotton, and tissue paper. If multiple funnels are available, the experiment can be conducted simultaneously, allowing for a direct comparison of the materials' water resistance. Following the experiment, students document their actions and observations, contemplating the essential question: Which materials keep us dry?