Source Institutions
Source Institutions
Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square250/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-784.jpg?itok=W_wjLTX4)
In this physics activity, learners conduct two experiments to explore free-falling. In the first experiment, water-filled plastic bottles with holes in them spurt water under normal conditions, but don't leak while in free-fall. In the second experiment, a ping-pong ball in a water-filled plastic tube floats upward under normal conditions, but remains motionless when the tube is dropped or thrown. Educators can use pre-assembled materials for group demonstration purposes. Note: this activity will get the floor wet, so consider doing this outside.
- 45 to 60 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Demonstration
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Electric drill
- Plastic water or soda bottle
- Water
- Table or ladder
- Large plastic tub
- Mop and/or paper towels
- Plastic tube with tight-fitting caps for both ends
- Hose clamps or duct tape (or epoxy cement)
- Ping-pong ball (colored)
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Gravity
- Momentum and Velocity
- Acceleration
- Newton's Laws
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
- Volume and Density
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Outdoor Activity
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Rathjen, Don
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Exploratorium,