"Can" You Stand the Pressure

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In this activity about states of matter, learners get to witness firsthand the awesome power of air pressure. They watch as an ordinary soda can is crushed by invisible forces. This activity is only to be done with adult supervision, as it involves very hot water.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 1 undamaged, pre-rinsed, empty soda can
  • Large bowl of cool tap water
  • Heat Source (Stove and Frying Pan or Hot Plate)
  • Pot holder
  • Oven mitts

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
      • Gases
      • Changes of Phase

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009