Amazing Marshmallows

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this demonstration, learners observe the effects of air pressure. They will watch as marshmallows inside a bottle expand as a vacuum pump removes air from the bottle. The marshmallows will rapidly shrink back to their normal size when the vacuum stopper valve is released. Learners will enjoy watching this highly visual demonstration. This activity guide includes a helpful video that demonstrates each step of the demonstration.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
Under 5 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • marshmallows (+ corn flour, depending on the type of marshmallows you use)
  • wine bottle (must be clean and dry, and preferably light coloured)
  • vacuum wine saver pump and stopper (available from most supermarkets)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Atmosphere
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Institute of Physics,