Submarine demonstration
Mystify your audience with the magic ketchup submarine. You’ve probably seen similar demonstrations in physics class
using more elaborate materials. But this demonstration requires only a plastic bottle, ketchup or mustard packet
from a fast food restaurant, water and a paper clip.
Weight the ketchup packet with one or possibly two paper clips and insert it into the bottle.
Fill to the very top with water and seal it with the lid.
Squeezing the bottle should send the packet to the bottom of the bottle. If it sinks without
squeezing, remove some of the weight. If it doesn’t sink at all, adjust the buoyancy by adding
weight (paper clip or part of one).
Don’t let your audience see that you are squeezing the bottle. Let them think that something else
is controlling the vertical movement of the packet. Get them thinking – someone will shout out
the answer.
As you squeeze the bottle you increase the pressure inside. Higher pressure decreases the volume
of the air bubble inside the ketchup packet, letting it sink. Releasing the pressure lets it expand
and rise. This is a great demonstration of buoyancy and of the relationship between pressure and gas
volume. It’s also a good way to engage the audience. |
Training
The next scheduled training at the Lyles Center for Innovation, California State University,
Fresno is scheduled for June 16-20. This week of hands-on training will include Kids Invent
Robots and Kids Create Digital
Video. It will also be the first training for the new Kids Create
Kinetic Sculpture and Amazing Gadgets.
Also at this training session we will introduce our new robot programs for younger kids.
Using a simplifier platform than we’ve used previously, we have developed an opened-ended
short workshop for children who have just started school.
Space is limited for this June training session so register soon before it fills. Contact Tim to register.
While in California join us for a short trip into Yosemite National Park. You will enjoy this, one of the
world’s most treasured natural beauties.
New book on how toys work
Coming out next month is a new book on toys by Kids Invent! co-founder, Ed Sobey and his son, Woody.
The Way Toys Work covers many favorite toys, giving their history and technology. Instructions for making
home-made versions are also included.
This is a good reference book for your instructors. Kids Invent! participants and their parents will be
interested in reading it, too. If you are interested in selling copies we can put you in touch with the
publisher, Chicago Review Press. |
