GRADES 1 - 8
AIR AND WATER PRESSURE

OBJECTIVES: Students learn about buoyancy and fluid (gas or liquid) pressure. Students and educators conduct a series of fun experiments to discover the effects of pressure and learn how pressure differences can be used to float, lift, transport, or hold a material in place. Students are introduced to basic fluid dynamics concepts from mechanical engineering through a discussion of air and water pressure. Students learn about the perfect gas law, pressure forces, Bernoulli's equation, and buoyancy. SAFETY NOTES: Adult Supervision Suggested -- Food coloring is used in this activity which may stain clothes or hands. Water is used in this activity. You may get WET! NATIONAL SCIENCE STANDARDS: Physical Science: Motions and Forces Science and Technology: Abilities Of Technological Design Understanding About Science And Technology STANDARDS FOR TECHNOLOGY LITERACY: The Nature of Technology: Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of technology. Design: Students will develop an understanding of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving. Students will develop an understanding of the relationships among technologies and the connections between technology and other fields of study. The Designed World: Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and use energy and power technologies.

LECTURE AND PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes LESSON TIME: 30-45 minutes WORDS TO KNOW: Bernoulli buoyancy compressible density force gas incompressible liquid pressure SPECIAL NOTES: Although the science concepts and vocabulary are intended for upper elementary and middle school students, younger and older students may enjoy this activity. Older students may also want to look at the SWE Internet Activity Center pump lesson.