Materials
Balloons Paper airplanes
Water table or clear plastic bin Transparent glass or plastic cup
Paper towels
Instructions
1. Show a blown-up balloon. Ask, "What is in the balloon? How did it get there?"2. Fly a paper airplane. Ask, "What makes the airplane stay up?"3. Ask children to stand up and spread out so no one is touching anyone else. Say, "Let's see what happens if you move your arms like this. (Make small circles with arms). "What do you feel?"4. Ask children to give other examples of air (blowing bubbles in water, flying kites, trees blowing in the wind, etc.).
5. Sit down with the children. Say, "Yes, air is here even if we can't see it. It takes up space. Let's do an experiment. What do you think will happen if I crumple up this paper towel, put it in this glass and turn the glass upside down in water?" Almost all children will say that the towel will get wet.
6. Say, "OK, let's see." Place the crumpled paper towel inside the glass. Turn it upside down and push it straight down in the water. Check the towel. It doesn't get wet.
7. Discuss the children's thoughts about the reason for this. Yes, air really is there even though we can't see it. It does take up space.
8. Let the children repeat the experiment for themselves. Have materials on hand so children can experiment in small groups.
9. Tell parents what you did since children get so excited about this "magic" they may want to try it again at home.
