Magic Paper
in Science
Subcategories and tags
Magic Papers helps students to understand and identify the effect of air pressure. Simultaneously it helps them to develop their observation skills.
Have your child take a piece of paper towel or paper and push it to the bottom of a glass or cup. Pack the paper towel in very tightly so that it will remain in the bottom of the glass even when the glass is turned upside down.
Fill a bowl/bucket with water that is slightly higher than the height of the glass.
Have the child place the glass straight upside down into the water in the basin. Do not tilt the glass when putting it in the water!
Have your child lift the glass from the water and remove the paper from the glass. What do you notice about the paper? Is the paper wet or dry? Why? The paper should be dry.
Explain why the paper is dry after the experiment: the air pressure in the glass pushed the water out, so that the water could not go into the glass to get the paper wet.
If the paper was wet after experiment, explain why: the child tilted the glass when dipping it in the water, allowing the air inside to escape and the water entered the glass.
If your child's paper was wet, give them a chance to repeat the activity to see if they can produce a dry paper.