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Unit A: Mix and Flow of Matter

Woman blowing up a balloon

Avogadro and the Ideal Gas Law

Backgrounders

Learn about the theory of Avogadro’s Law and the Ideal Gas Law and explore examples in everyday life.

Smoke from a crop-duster shows wake turbulence

What is Air Turbulence?

STEM Explained

Learn about the science behind the four main causes of turbulence.

A variety of lava lamps

Lava Lamps

STEM Explained

Lava lamps are very interesting to look at. But they are also interesting examples of buoyancy, heat transfer and solubility!

Pitcher holding a baseball

Why Do Curveballs Curve?

STEM Explained

Bernoulli’s equation is key to understanding why curveballs curve.

Why do raisins dance in soda pop?

Why do raisins dance in soda pop?

Hands-on Activities

Let them bop ‘til they drop! What causes these raisins to reach new heights in this hands on activity?

What causes ocean currents?

What causes ocean currents?

Hands-on Activities

Create a model of ocean currents and learn how currents are formed.

Cartoon woman on a surfboard

The Physics of Surfing

STEM Explained

Learn about the history of surfboards, and how different materials and designs over the years affected the physics at work in surfing.

Is it a liquid or a solid?

Is it a liquid or a solid?

Hands-on Activities

Make some goop that has the properties of a liquid and a solid.

is-it-possible-to-change-water-into-cola

Is it possible to change water into cola?

Hands-on Activities

Explore the concept of displacement of fluids in this hands on activity.

How much of an iceberg is on top of water?

How much of an iceberg is on top of water?

Hands-on Activities

In this hands on activity find out just how much of an iceberg is below the surface. It might surprise you!

Construction vehicles use hydraulics. Image © Djahan, iStockPhoto.com

Hydraulics 101

STEM Explained

Hydraulics power many of the large machines you see around you.

How can I make an egg float?

How can I make an egg float?

Hands-on Activities

In this challenge activity find out if you can get an egg to float. Learn how the density of matter affects the buoyancy of objects.

How do scuba divers sink?

How do scuba divers sink?

Hands-on Activities

It’s not easy to dive deep underwater. How do divers get down deep? Learn how scuba divers manipulate density to move up and down in this hands on activity.

How can I engineer a raft so that it holds the most weight?

How can I engineer a raft so that it holds the most weight?

Hands-on Activities

Explore the forces of gravity and buoyancy while designing a raft to hold the most weight possible.

How can I make a bottle rocket?

How can I make a bottle rocket?

Hands-on Activities

Use a pop bottle and other everyday materials to create a rocket that you can launch outdoors.