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This highly visual model demonstrates the atomic theory of matter which states that a gas is made up of tiny particles of atoms that are in constant motion, smashing into each other. Balls, representing molecules, move within a cage container to simulate this phenomenon. A hair dryer provides the heat to simulate the heating and cooling of gas: the faster the balls are moving, the hotter the gas. Learners observe how the balls move at a slower rate at lower "temperatures."
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Demonstration, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 12 or more Styrofoam balls, approximately 1-1/4 inches (3 cm) in diameter (available in craft or fabric stores), or table tennis balls
- A paintbrush
- Latex paint
- A small rodent cage with wire mesh on all sides (Two plastic strawberry baskets or utility baskets with open grid sides may also be put together to form a cage.)
- Short pieces of wire or twist ties
- A hair dryer, fan, or other blower
Subjects
-
Mathematics
-
Measurement
- Rate
-
Measurement
-
Physical Sciences
-
Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
- Thermodynamics and Entropy
-
Energy
- Potential and Kinetic Energy
-
States of Matter
- Gases
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
-
Heat and Thermodynamics
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, The Exploratorium,
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation
- California Department of Education
- NEC Foundation of America