Stop Pulling on Me!

Recently in science, we have been working on a science standard that focuses on the concept of gravity. (SC.3.E.5.4 Explore the Law of Gravity by demonstrating that gravity is a force that can be overcome.) On Tuesday, students conducted a demonstration that helped them better understand this abstract concept. Students used a hair dryer (source of air) and a ping pong ball. When positioned carefully, the air flows evenly around the ping pong ball. This is one force that is acting upon the ball, pushing it up. Another force acting upon the ball is gravity. Gravity pulls downward on the ball. When all of the forces are balanced, the ball hovers in mid-air. For more fun experiments that you can do at home and even more information about science behind this experiment, visit one of our favorite sites.

Students: How many ping pong balls did you get to hover in the air? What did you learn from this this experiment? Leave us a comment and let us know!