Mystery Force

Kids, try this 

at home!   

Materials:

a glass, two or more 3 X 5 index cards, a toothpick, water, and a sink or bucket

Instructions:

1.  Fill the glass with water.

2. Lay a 3 X 5 card on top of the glass. 

* The card must cover the top of the glass *

5.  Using a toothpick, poke a hole (1/8 inch) in the center of a dry, 3 X 5 index card.

6.  Repeat steps 3 & 4.  Use your new card.

7.  Push a toothpick up through the hole into the glass.  Do not move the card.  What happens?

Ask Yourself:

What supports the card

and water?

Explanation: What supports the card and all the water above it?  Air does!  Air is all around us and pushes in all directions.  Experiment with this demonstration and make it as dramatic as you can.  See how big you can make the hole in the card.  Use a bottle instead of a glass.  Use a screwdriver instead of a toothpick.  Then demonstrate to your friends!

3.  Hold the card flat on top of the glass and turn the glass upside down (over a sink or bucket).

4.  Carefully take your hand off the card.  What happens?  Why?