Rice Handle

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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.

Quick Guide

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

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

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density

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