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Investigation Question 3:
What can air do when it presses on things?

Preparation

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What to do

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Assessment

Preparation

Teaching and Learning Focus

In Investigation Question 2 students saw the air pressing on water, keeping it out of the cup. This investigation shows students that air presses on other things, and ultimately that it presses on all things that are in the air. Understanding this provides a building block toward developing an understanding of air pressure. You could have groups do this, or you may want to do it as a demonstration using student volunteers. Be sure to try this yourself ahead of time to insure that your wood samples are thin enough. Observe all safety precautions.

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Materials Needed

  1. 2 strips of very thin balsa wood (about 1.5 inches wide and 20 inches long)-no more than one-eighth inch in thickness.
  2. Multiple page section of newspaper
  3. Small hammer or mallet
  4. Work table
  5. Safety goggles for you and your students

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Safety

This investigation questioncontains potential safety hazards and should always be done under adult supervision. Ensure that all safety procedures are followed. You may feel that parts of this investigation are best done as a teacher demonstration. Use of goggles is required.

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At Utah's Vermillion Cliffs a siltstone butte of the Carmel Formation erodes and forms unusual shapes. © Michael Collier Image courtesy of the Earth Science World Image Bank, photo ID: ixvt1a

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Last updated:July 23, 2008


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