Matter Matters!
The science experiments and demonstrations Mrs. Ranney has been sharing with us about matter, really matter. We have learned so much!
FACT: Matter has three states, solid, liquid, or gas.
The experiments done with Mrs. Ranney explored the gas we call air. Here are the physical properties of air: takes up space, has mass, exerts pressure, and can move.
The fabulous Mrs. Ranney shared several lessons.
#1 Air (a gas) has mass. Two balloons were filled equally. The one on the right was popped. When the balloon was popped, the mass of air was released making the right side lighter. Because it was lighter, the right side rose up.
#2 Air (a gas) exerts pressure. First, each student held a piece of paper to their stomach. When they removed their hand and started walking, the paper fell to the ground. Gravity prevailed!
Second, students held a piece of paper to their stomachs. When they removed their hand and started running, the paper stuck to their bodies! The invisible air pushed against the paper holding it in place.
The student on the left was FASTER than the student on the right.
#3 Air (a gas) exerts pressure. Student were given a cup of water and a straw. Each student placed the straw in the water. Then each student covered the top of the straw with their finger. Finally, they removed the straw from the water (with the finger still covering the top). Air pressure outside of the straw pushed against the water via the bottom (open end) of the straw. When the finger was removed from the top, the water fell back into the cup...or somewhere else!
#4 Air (a gas) exerts pressure. Here is the same experiment done with a cup instead of the straw. Air pressure is exerted on the card holding the water in place. Yes, the cup is upside down! Science is cool!
#5 Air (a gas) takes up space.
Mrs. Ranney placed a DRY paper towel in cup. The towel was taped to the cup so it would not fall out when she inverted it. Next, Mrs. Ranney placed the inverted cup into a container of water. Snappy had a close look, and confirmed that the paper towel was dry when removed from the water. Truly, air takes up space, even thought we cannot see it!
What was your favorite experiment or demonstration?
Do you have a question or comment for Mrs. Ranney?
Posts
