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In this physics activity, learners attempt to lift a jar full of rice using only a spoon. In so doing, they explore the effects of density, gravity and resisting forces on any given object, and discover that the friction between the rice and spoon (caused by the rice's density) allows the jar to seemingly ignore gravity.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 11
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Plastic spoons
- Uncooked, dry rice - enough to fill bottles
- 10-15 vitamin or spice bottles
- 10-15 trays to catch spilled rice
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Energy
- Work and Machines
-
Motion and Forces
- Gravity
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Volume and Density
-
Energy
Informal Categories
- Food and Cooking
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009