Did you know that water magnifies? Why? Such an easy investigation to do with children!

The surface tension of water causes the molecules to create a rounded surface on the water drop. Then the water droplets refract the light and act like a magnifying glass.

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In a prior lab, the student is holding an orb that is filled with water.

Use a water-filled test tube or other cylinder-shaped tube to magnify. What is the amount of magnification? Click here for an investigation.

On a rainy day, observe how raindrops magnify objects in nature. If you don’t want to wait until it rains, just place droplets of water on the object you wish to magnify.