PROJECT!
IS AIR REALLY MATTER?
If you can’t see something or hold it in your hand, is
it matter? In this project, we’ll test air to find out.
1
Start a scientific method worksheet in your
science journal.
SUPPLIES
**string or yarn
**science journal
and pencil
**ruler, dowel, or
other thin piece
of wood
**2 identical
balloons
2
Cut a piece of string or yarn. Tie it to the middle of the ruler.
Hold the top of the string. Does the ruler hang level? If not,
adjust the string until the ruler hangs straight across.
3
Cut two equal pieces of string. Tie a string to the neck of each
of the balloons. Tie one balloon on each end of the ruler. Make
sure both strings are tied the same distance from the end of the
ruler.
4
Hold the center string. Does the ruler still hang level?
5
Remove one of the balloons. Fill the balloon with air and knot
it. Tie the balloon back into place.
6
Hold the center string. Look at the ruler. Does one side hang
lower than the other? What does this prove?
THINK ABOUT IT: Matter is something that takes up space and
has mass. Did you show that air is matter in your experiment? Are
there other explanations for the results of your experiment?
11