Keep Paper Dry In Water – Science Magic

Can you keep paper dry in water? Most of us probably did this experiment when we were kids and I knew my science and magic loving kids would love this water project. The idea is simple, keep a piece of paper towel or paper dry in water. Is it possible? Absolutely, if you use the right science.

Water Science Experiment for Kids

Can you keep paper dry in water, even when it's completely submerged? You can if you understand the science in this magic meets science water project.

Supplies

Glass
Paper towels
Container filled with water

For this activity all you need is a deep container filled with water, a cup or container that can be submerged completely in the water, and some paper or paper towel. Oh, and a steady hand!

We have done this experiment a number of times with different containers and different bowls. To get the nice pictures my bowl is a bit shorter than the glass, but trust me this does work even if you completely submerge the glass (you could even test this in the bath tub!).

Directions

Start by stuffing some paper or paper towel into the bottom of the glass. It needs to wedge in there enough that it won’t fall out when you turn the glass upside-down.

This next step is where you need a steady hand.

Flip the glass upside-down and carefully place it into the water keeping it perfectly straight. If you go even a little crooked you will see bubbles which is a bad sign!

Completely submerge your glass, then carefully pull it straight back up.

Check your paper! If you kept it straight, your paper will be completely dry. For our pictures we dyed our water green so you can easily see that it never touched our water paper. It’s science magic!

Next, try putting the glass into the water but tip it slightly so you see bubbles, this is the air escaping and letting water in.

Can you keep paper dry in water, even when it's completely submerged? You can if you understand the science in this magic meets science water project.

Now when you pull out the glass your paper will be wet. See the green water on our paper? That’s from just letting a few bubbles into our glass.

Can you keep paper dry in water, even when it's completely submerged? You can if you understand the science in this magic meets science water project.

The Science

Air takes up space and when you submerge the glass in the water the air becomes trapped by the water pressing up from below, and the glass on all other sides. Air is lighter than water so it needs to stay on top of the water. As long as the air can’t escape, water can’t get in and your paper stays dry. As soon as you provide a way for the air to escape by tipping the glass and letting those air bubbles escape, then water rushes in and takes the place of the air and your paper gets wet.

Isn’t science fascinating? Explore more Water Experiments and STEM Projects!

25+ STEM Water Projects for Kids in Elementary - Learn, educate, grow with nature's favourite drink... water! States of matter, density, chemistry, engineering and more.
Oobleck - Science, States of Matter and Senses study all wrapped up into one fantastic project about non-Newtonian liquids
Can you keep paper dry in water, even when it's completely submerged? You can if you understand the science in this magic meets science water project.