Bernoulli Brain Teasers


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In this activity related to flight, learners conduct two simple tests to explore how lift works. In "Use Your Lips to Levitate," learners hold a piece of paper, blow over the paper, and watch Bernoulli's Principle in motion. In "Balloons that Boggle", learners investigate what happens when they try to blow two hanging balloons together. See related resource "What's Going on? The Simple Explanation" to better understand the forces at work in these tests. Use these activities to demonstrate Bernoulli's Principle and help learners understand the role of lift in flight. This resource is related to two other activities in the SMILE Pathway: Look Mom, No Wings! and Squeeze the Stream.

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes

Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes

Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students

Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14

Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan

Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)


  • piece(s) of paper
  • breath
  • balloons
  • string
  • water

Subjects


  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Acceleration
    • States of Matter
      • Gases
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities