Water Absorption Test

In Science, we have been learning about different objects and the kinds of materials that they are made from.  Today we tested four different types of cloth (cotton, rayon, linen and nylon) to see how absorbent they are.  We put a square of cloth over a clear, plastic glass and secured it with an elastic.  Then students worked with a partner to count how many drops of water it would take until the water went through the cloth and fell into the cup.  The nylon fabric repelled the most water!  Some pairs of students counted over 100 drops and it still wasn't soaking through. It kept making a bigger "puddle" on top until it slid off! We thought that this would be a good kind of material to make raincoats
from!

Careful counting!

 

Notice the large beads of water on the nylon fabric.  It repelled the water!