Pepper germs experiment
A fun and visual way to demonstrate how soap repels germs - using pepper and water!
This classic STEM experiment is a fantastic visual for understanding how soap helps get rid of germs. The “germs” (pepper) float on the water’s surface until you dip your finger in with soap - and then they scatter dramatically!
It’s quick, fascinating, and makes for a great conversation starter around hygiene and handwashing - especially for kids who need a little extra encouragement to scrub up.
The science: Water has something called surface tension, which allows the pepper to sit on...
Materials
Prep / make
Step 1:
Fill a shallow dish with water.
Step 2:
Sprinkle a layer of black pepper on the surface.
Play
Step 1:
Invite your child to look closely at the water and pepper.
Step 2:
Ask what they think will happen if they touch it.
Step 3:
Dip a finger or cotton bud in soap and then gently touch the water’s surface.
Step 4:
Watch the pepper (aka “germs”) shoot away from the soap!
Extend
Use glitter instead: Swap pepper for glitter to make the visual even more sparkly and dramatic.
Role-play handwashing: Do the experiment before heading to the sink and then model proper handwashing together.
Link to real life: Talk about how germs aren’t visible like pepper, but soap still makes them go away!
