How do we see air?

First graders know nothing is truly “empty.” How do they know? An in-depth unit on the properties of air. Students began by conducting several experiments that demonstrated that air takes up space. Then, they observed how air can push and pull on objects, and finally, they tested how the speed of an object changes when mass is added to the object. This physical science unit was hands-on every step of the way!

 

In order to visualize the concept that air is everywhere, 1^st graders submerged objects in water to observe air bubbles escaping and rising to the top. Then, students put a tissue in the bottom of a cup and submerged it upside-down in water. To their amazement, the tissue didn’t get wet! First graders successfully proved that a seemingly empty space is actually filled with air.

 

The next step in their studies took them to the Primary School’s rooftop science lab where they tested how air pushes and pulls by fabricating mini sailboats out of common household items. They tested the strength of different shapes and sizes of sails and raced the sailboats to test their hypotheses.

 

Their final experiment explored the concepts of density and mass by sinking and floating various items. First graders made raisins appear to dance in ginger ale. Raisins, which usually sink, were pushed up by the carbonation. Taking this idea a step further, the students constructed miniature hot-air balloons and used items of different weights (mass) to see how they could make the balloon, which usually floats, sink.

 

They tested their predictions in the black box theater in Parkside where, from the mezzanine, 1^st graders dropped their hot-air balloons to see which one would reach the floor the fastest.

 

These simple experiments and much more will be on view at STEMFest on March 5 in the gymnasium. Look for the 1^st grader’s booth to construct your own sailboat and test different designs of sails to see for yourself!