DIY: Magical Toothpick Stars | Tinkerer Box Blog

DIYs » Stem Activities » Quick Easy Experiments » Age 3 - 5 » Magical Toothpick Stars

Magical Toothpick Stars

Stem Activities

Ages: 3-5

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

Save PDF

How can you transform a loose five-pointed star into a perfect star using just water? This simple experiment will lead children to explore capillary action and water surface tension.

Materials Needed

Plate
Five toothpicks
Dropper
Water

An overhead shot displays several items arranged on a light wood-grain surface. These include a white plate with small ear-like protrusions, a small pile of wooden toothpicks, a clear rectangular glass or acrylic sheet, and a small glass creamer or pitcher with a wooden handle containing clear liquid, likely water. The arrangement suggests preparation for a craft, experiment, or possibly a food preparation scenario.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Fold each of the five toothpicks in the middle, being careful not to break them.

A hand reaches into the frame and places a small group of wooden toothpicks onto a light wood-grain surface. A white plate with small ear-like protrusions is positioned near the toothpicks. The scene suggests the beginning of a craft, experiment, or activity using these simple items.

Step 2

Next, arrange the toothpicks on the plate as shown, forming a star shape with some space in the middle.

A white plate with small ear-like protrusions sits on a light wood-grain surface. Several toothpicks are arranged in a starburst or asterisk pattern in the center of the plate, suggesting the completion of a simple craft or arrangement.

Step 3

Using the dropper, add 3-4 drops of water to the centre of the star shape, and wait patiently to see what happens.

Several wooden toothpicks are arranged in a star shape on a white, bear-shaped dish. A hand uses a clear plastic pipette to carefully drop water onto the center of the star where the toothpicks meet. A small, clear glass beaker containing water sits beside the dish. The video appears to demonstrate a simple science experiment, possibly showing the absorption of water by wood or the principles of capillary action.

The Science Behind It:

Surface tension is the attractive force between molecules at the surface of a liquid, which keeps the liquid surface in a "taut" state. When you add water to the centre of the star, the water's surface tension pulls the toothpicks closer together. Additionally, toothpicks are made of wood fibres, and capillary action is particularly noticeable at their broken points. When water is absorbed through capillary action, the toothpick fibres tend to return to their original state and expand (similar to how "paper flowers" bloom). This is why the star first contracts and then expands outward after the toothpicks come together.

Who Are We?

We’re a passionate team of scientists, engineers, and educators dedicated to delivering hands-on fun. Our mission is to inspire creativity and confidence in the next generation of young innovators.