Hooked on science: Strong air

Here's an experiment that proves the air around us pushes from all directions.

Materials

• Glass
• Index card
• Water

Instructions

STEP 1: Fill the glass halfway with water.

STEP 2: Holding the index card on top of the glass quickly flip the glass over and then remove your hand from the card.

Explanation

The air pressure under the card has a stronger push than the water pushing down, therefore allowing the index card to stay in place.

Jason Lindsey is a Science Outreach Educator for the Bootheel Youth Museum. Check out his website "Hooked On Science" at hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindsey@bootheelyouthmuseum.org. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.