Can you keep paper dry?
Main Image
Main Image
Created by
University of Ottawa and Carleton University
Activity Language
Grade
Time Needed for Activity
Subjects
Can you keep paper dry?
What You Need
- 1 piece of paper
- Small glass/cup
- Water
- Large container or bowl
Guide:
Safety Notes
Ensure you are familiar with Let's Talk Science's precautions with respect to safe virtual outreach to youth.
What To Do
- Fill the container or bowl with water.
- Scrunch the paper up into a ball and place it in the small glass/cup. Make sure the piece of paper won't fall out of the glass when you hold it upside down. If the paper falls out, you might need to get a smaller cup or you can add another sheet of paper to the small glass/cup.
- Hold the glass/cup upside down and put it into the container/bowl of water. Make sure to put the cup straight in the water and not at an angle.
- Carefully take the small glass/cup straight out of the water slowly. Make sure to take it out straight and not an angle.
- Take the paper out of the glass/cup. Is the paper wet or dry?
Discovery
The cup has the paper in it but also has air in it. Air takes up space in the cup even though we can't see the air. When you put the cup in the water, the air in the cup pushes on the water so the water can't move into the cup and the paper stays dry.
What's Happening?
The cup has the paper in it but also has air in it. Air takes up space in the cup even though we can't see the air. When you put the cup in the water, the air in the cup pushes on the water so the water can't move into the cup and the paper stays dry.