|
Science Experiment: Weight of Air |
|
Hi kids, parents, and teachers! Science projects and experiments can be fun. However, be sure to always have a parent or teacher supervising to make sure things are safe!
Purpose: To understand that air has weight. The weight of air can be used to demonstrate air pressure and it's effect on weather and the atmosphere. For more information on these subjects see Weather for Kids or Atmosphere for Kids.
Materials
- thin dowel approximately 50 cm long
- 2 balloons of equal size
- scissors
- string
- tape
- straight pin
- pencil
- science journal
Procedure
- Cut a piece of string 25 cm in length.
- Find the center of the dowel and tie the string at the center point.
- Hold the dowel by the string and adjust the position of the string until the dowel is balanced on the string.
- Blow up the balloons to approximately the same size and tie off the ends.
- Tape the tied off end of each balloon to each end of the dowel. See diagram 1.
- Adjust the string as needed to maintain the balance.
- Place a piece of tape approximately 2-3 cm long on one balloon.
- Have your partner or adult use a pin to carefully prick a hole through the tape and into the balloon. The tape will stop the balloon from popping.
- Observe the dowel and the balloons as the air slowly escapes from the balloon.
- Record your observations in your science journal.
Conclusion
- Does the dowel stay balanced? Why or why not?
- Which side is heavier? Why?
Reference: NASA SciFiles
More Earth Science Experiments:
Landfill and Recycling - How do landfills work?
Sun Angle and Seasons - See how the angle of the sun effects the temperature and causes the seasons.
Back to Kids Science Projects
Page
Back to Kids Science
Page
Back to Kids Study
Page
