Hooked on Science: Experiment shows how a vacuum works

Add some science to your Valentine's Day by using a few ingredients from around the house.

Materials

* Vacuum food sealer

* Vacuum food sealer storage canister

* Vacuum food sealer accessory hose

* Chocolate-covered marshmallow heart

Instructions

STEP 1: Place one chocolate covered marshmallow heart in the storage canister and place the lid on the canister.

STEP 2: Attach the accessory hose to the storage canister and the food sealer.

STEP 3: Start the vacuum food sealer and watch the canister closely.

Explanation

The vacuum food sealer removes all the air from around the chocolate-covered marshmallow heart. As the air from the outside is removed, the air inside the chocolate-covered marshmallow heart will try to escape. As this happens, the chocolate covering will crack, allowing the marshmallow inside to expand.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website www.hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindsey@hookedonscience.com. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.