Air

Scientist ___________________________

Big Idea:Air is something real and takes up space. I was walking along the river this weekend with my scientist friend and we saw a hot air balloon just hovering over the river. I told my friend that I would really like to know how it is possible for different objects like hot air balloons, birds, kites, and helicopters to float above the ground. My friend said, “That’s a great question, your thinking like a scientist. You should try asking your students to see if they could help you solve your question.” She gave me some great materials and ideas for investigations that we can try together.

What is the problem we need to solve? What do we need to investigate?

Air is There

Focus Question: How does air interact with objects?

Prediction:

Air is There

Data and Observations

Evidence: What did you learn about air?

Vocabulary Air is something real and is called Air takes up

Air Under Water

Focus Question: How can I keep a paper towel dry under water?

Prediction:

Air Under Water

Data and Observations

Evidence: Why do you think the paper towel stayed dry?

Vocabulary Air interacts with objects.

Air is matter.

Air can be

Parachutes

Focus Question: How does air eff ect how a parachute floats to the ground?

Prediction:

Parachutes

Data and Observations

Evidence: What made the parachute float so slowly?

Vocabulary Air is all around objects.

Aff ects how objects move

Pushing on Air

Focus Question: What happens when you push air into a smaller space?

Prediction:

Pushing on Air

Data and Observations

Evidence: What happened when you pushed air into a smaller space?

Vocabulary Air is matter and can take up space.

Air can be compressed.

f rom compressed air can move objects

Air and Water Fountain

Focus Question: How can I use air to push water around a system?

Prediction:

Air and Water Fountain Data and Observations

Evidence: What did the f ountain do to show you that air takes up space?

Vocabulary Air is matter and takes up space. Air

can move water.

Balloon Rockets

Focus Question: How can I use compressed air to propel a balloon rocket?

Prediction:

Balloon Rockets

Data and Observations

Evidence: How does air make the balloon rocket move down the line?

Vocabulary Air can be compressed.

f rom compressed air can move things.

Learning Log:

Learning Log:

Conclusion: What did you learn about air f rom our experiments?

Reflection: What new questions do you have about air?