Experiments on air for primary school

Experimental set for 6 groups Vinus explores the world - Topic Air


This is a typical excerpt from one of the stories about the little extra-terrestrial creature Vinus, whose space capsule makes a rough landing on Earth. Things on the Earth are perfectly normal for the children Ben and Lili and their dog Jojo, but that doesn’t mean they can really explain everything correctly. So they set off together to investigate certain phenomena.
The use of storytelling as a methodology captivates the pupils right from the start. Through stories about Vinus and his friends, topics are transposed from the instruction syllabus to the real world of the children. This gives open questions personal meaning for the children. As a result, they are excited to find the solution to the question for themselves and retain a solid understanding of the responses and interrelationships.
 
Vinus explores the world is an innovative series based on the storytelling method that combines stories with experimentation.
 
Age 7-8

Vinus explores the world – Topic Air, equipment for 6 groups

Art. no. 33106

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And here’s how it works:
- For each topic, such as ‘Air’, there are separate stories – for the extra-terrestrial creature, they are episodes. The key points arising from an episode always lead to a concrete topic of instruction, e. g. “Air has a weight”.
- The episode incites the children to develop their own questions and conjectures. The concept story helps them do so.
- This enables each child to reach the intended conclusions individually at their own pace and in their own way. There is no right or wrong here, detours are permitted.
- The materials are precisely matched to the content of the episode, thereby maintaining motivation through‧out the duration of the experiment.
- This is investigative discovery learning, which furthermore demands social skills because problems are solved together.
- The observations and findings can be recorded in the logbook individually according to the abilities of the child.
 
Episodes
Introduction to air
Episode 1: The chaotic Landing
Introduction to the phenomenon of air pressure and its effects
Episode 2: Struggling with the Unknown
Experimenting with air resistance
Episode 3: The Beginning of a Friendship
Experimenting with the notion that air has weight
Episode 4: Mysterious Air
Initiation of modelling concepts: Perception of air under water
Episode 5: Unruly Air

experiments
  • 1 - Air pressure works on all sides

    experiment "Air pressure works on all sides"

    The children experience the omnidirectional effect of air pressure with the aid of the Ufo demo set (principle of action of the Magdeburg hemispheres). The hemispheres can be pressed together and evacuated using the vacuum pump. They cannot then be separated from each other. Even with only the upper hemisphere of the UFO, the effect of air pressure can be demonstrated when it is pressed sideways and even upside down against a smooth surface and then evacuated using the vacuum pump. The air pressure thereby provides a stable attachment to the surface.


  • 2 - Explore vacuum

    experiment "Explore vacuum"

    With the help of the vacuum pump, a rough vacuum can be created in Vinus' Ufo. The effects of the absence of air can be well observed and experienced by means of various partial experiments: Food changes in a vacuum (e.g. foam kiss), a small air-filled balloon expands; paper scraps or feathers start to move when the air flows back into the space capsule.


  • 3 - Air and movement

    experiment "Air and movement"

    With the help of Vinus feathers, moving air can be made visible. Down springs and rod springs have different behavior. The cut sheet Vinus head can be used as an attachment for the springs.


  • 4 - Air pressure and breathing

    experiment "Air pressure and breathing"

    Although children experience on themselves how the body changes when breathing in and out, air pressure as a phenomenon is difficult to grasp. Removing the air from the vacuum bag very impressively demonstrates the effects of air pressure (especially with the previously inserted Vinus doll without pillow). Household applications can be derived in an understandable way.


  • 5 - Air resistance

    experiment "Air resistance"

    The students investigate air resistance with the help of the Vinus hands. Fast and slow movements or an increased surface area with several subjects show different effects.


  • 6 - Air brakes

    experiment "Air brakes"

    The children test the effects of changing the position and arm position of the Vinus skaters on the skateboards. With the help of a height-adjustable ramp (made from the remains of the woodcut sheets or constructed by the children themselves), the inclination can be varied and thus the speed of the skaters can be influenced. The students learn in a vivid way which parameters have an influence on the skateboard ride and to what extent air has a braking effect (air resistance).


  • 7 - Air moves

    experiment "Air moves"

    In simple setups, the children learn that air has a force that can be used as a drive. Air movements can be made visible in the Vinus head (equipped with various springs). The skaters can be moved/accelerated by blowing or propelled in one direction or the other in competition against each other.


  • 8 - Air needs space

    experiment "Air needs space"

    The Vinus doll (backside without cushion) is inflated with the help of a straw and receives a counter pressure to the air pressure. It becomes apparent that the air introduced into the balloon and thus into the Vinus doll requires space.


  • 9 - Weighing air

    experiment "Weighing air"

    The beam balance can be used to measure the difference between an air-filled balloon and an empty balloon as part of various setups. As a beam balance, the material also allows observation of two balloons filled with air, with air escaping from one with the help of a needle. By moving the tip bearing, the approximate weighing of a balloon filled with air can also be achieved.


  • 10 - Measuring and weighing

    experiment "Measuring and weighing"

    The children make their first experiences with the weighing principle. They first explore the possibilities of comparing lighter and heavier objects using the seesaw. Converting the wooden parts into a beam scale allows them to weigh using "weights". Small everyday objects can be used excellently for this purpose.


  • 11 - Air under water

    experiment "Air under water"

    Air, which is predominantly perceptible to children in its effects, is made visible here. Under water, the air introduced can be seen in the form of bubbles. The amount and shape of the bubbles vary depending on how the air is introduced into the water.


  • 12 - Diving bell

    experiment "Diving bell"

    Air, which is predominantly perceptible to children in its effects, is made visible here. Under water, the air introduced can be seen in the form of bubbles. The amount and shape of the bubbles vary depending on how the air is introduced into the water.


  • 13 - Air displaced

    experiment "Air displaced"

    The students investigate the question of how air behaves in and under water. A beaker filled with water can be "drained" with the help of air.


scope of supply
  • 6 × Seesaw bearing
  • 6 × Syringe, 50 ml
  • 6 × Plastic tube
  • 12 × Cut sheet Vinus figure
  • 12 × Cut sheet Vinus head
  • 6 × Vinus hand fan, right
  • 24 × Vinus feather on stick, blue
  • 24 × Vinus fluff feather, blue
  • 6 × Skateboard and seesaw frame
  • 6 × Scale set
  • 1 × S-shaped hook
  • 6 × Water dish
  • 6 × Plastic beaker, 100 ml
  • 18 × Balloon closure
  • 1 × Cord, demonstration, 1 mm dia.
  • 12 × Scale pan, yellow
  • 24 × Axis recoil carriage
  • 48 × Wheel recoil trolley
additional materials required
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