Drop water on the different materials and observe how the water looks and behaves.
What do you notice?
One of these materials will allow you to separate a single drop into several drops and then reunite them by dragging the dropper. Can you figure out which material will do this? Why does it work on this material?
How Does Water Move Through Paper?
Other Properties at Work:

This lesson is aligned with the NGSS Crosscutting Concepts of Systems and Matter and Energy.
This post and lesson are also aligned with the NGSS Science Practices of Planning and Carrying out Investigation, Constructing Explanations, Engaging in Argument from Evidence and Obtaining, Evaluating and Communicating Information.
What a wonderful activity!
Another great idea. So simple, yet the kids will learn so much. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie
Crockett's Classroom…Forever in Third Grade
This is great! What grade levels would this generally be for? I teach 4th grade and am looking for some water activities to do with them.
I think you could do this lesson with 3rd -6th grade and just add complexity with older students.
We did this lesson in our college class and it was AWESOME! Elementary kids would love it! I love that you can teach an important concept that is hands on and fun all at the same time!