WHY? Although it is invisible, air occupies the space inside the cup. Water cannot get into the same space so the cork floats underwater in the air space. ASSESSMENT: Can the student communicate what they observed?

The student is able to communicate that two objects cannot occupy the same space; therefore, the cork is floating on top of the water and is trapped by the air in the cup. The student is able to communicate that the air holds the cork underwater. The student is able to communicate that because the cork is in the glass. The student is able to communicate that the cork is underwater.

EXTENSIONS:

1. Use 2 plastic glasses. Completely submerge one in an inverted, vertical position.(It will be filled with air.) Submerge the second glass, filling it with water. Hold it in the inverted position, above and slightly to the side of the first glass. Tip the first glass to release the air. Catch the air bubbles in the water filled glass. Observe what happens. (The trapped air forces the water out because it cannot occupy the same space.)

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Last modified: Sun Aug 10 18:00:59 PDT 1997

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