How to Do the Paper in the Cup Experiment in Class

This is a fun experiment that the kids can easily replicate at home. You can also call it a magic trick if you like. It is very simple, but a necessary lesson to move onto other experiments that include water.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large bowl
• Clear cup
• Paper towel
• Water

1. 
    

   Fill up the bowl with water.

2. 
    

   Stuff the paper towel into the top of the cup and get ready to dunk it in the bowl.

3. 
    

   Dunk the cup straight down into the bowl so that it is completely submerged. Tell the kids to look at the paper towel and see if it looks wet.

4. 
    

   Take the cup out of the water and remove the towel and have the kids check to see if it's wet or not.

5. Explain to the kids that the water does not enter the cup because the air in the cup had nowhere to go. If the air cannot leave the cup through bubbles out of the bottom or a hole in the top, then the air must stay in the cup.

Resources

• Rock and Roll Kindergarten

[iheartschool]

on 6/8/2008 awesome!

[MariaFlores]

on 5/30/2008 I love this! I'd do it with my esl kids - good science vocab and a great way to teach question forms!

[showpup]

on 5/29/2008 Very cute. Love your photos, Kurt! 5 stars