Have you ever been to a science fair where all sorts of wonderful and magical things are happening.  These tricks mesmerize the kids and adults are generally fascinated with them.

If you or your husband is like mine you will want to know how they take place so that you can learn them and amaze your friends.

Look no further, the floating paperclip is explained below.

Challenge your friends to make a paper clip float on top of water.  Give them a cup of water and a paper clip and let them try as many times as they want.

When they fail each and every time, you show them how to do it.

1. Tear off a piece of paper towel larger than the paper clip.
2. Place the paper towel on top of the water.
3. Place the paper clip on top of the paper towel.
4. Wait a few seconds (as much as 30 depending on how absorbent your paper towel is).

The paper towel will sink, leaving the paper clip floating.  It’s magic!

Science Fair Background:  Actually, it is not magic, it’s the surface tension of the water that allows the clip to float.  As the paper towel sinks, it lowers the paper clip onto the water without breaking the surface tension.