What Causes Pressure?

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In this kinesthetic activity that demonstrates pressure, learners act as air molecules in a "container" as defined by a rope. Learners explore how air molecules move in different scenarios: added pressure, reduced volume of the container, increased heat, etc. Learners will make "beeps" to help the group measure the pressure and hear the difference between low and high pressure. This is a great way to introduce the concept of air pressure and illustrate how it varies with density and temperature.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • one long rope
  • a large open area in the classroom or outside

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Atmosphere
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Motion and Forces
    • States of Matter
      • Gases
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
      • Volume and Density

Informal Categories

  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Little Shop of Physics, 2009