Level 3: Air pushes

Air and fluids · level 3 of 8 · rough age 9-10 (a guide for parents; anyone can start anywhere)

Air is heavy stuff, and all the air above us presses down and in on everything. This level weighs air, holds water up with a card, and explains straws, suction cups and the crisp packet that puffs up on a mountain. Then it works out how little the air pushes on Mars.

Lesson	You will be able to
Air has weight	Show that air has weight, and work out the mass of air in a room
Air pushes every way	Explain how air pressure holds a card on an upside-down glass
Drinking straws	Explain what really pushes a drink up a straw
Suction cups	Explain why a suction cup sticks, and when it falls off
A sealed bag on a mountain	Explain why a sealed bag puffs up high up
Air pushes less on Mars	Compare how hard the air pushes on Mars and on Earth

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