Underwater paper experiment

Learn about air compression with this simple introductory kids’ science experiment. It’s easy, fast and the only requirements for this experiment are common household items. Best of all, there’s no mess so get experimenting today!

What you need:

• clear bowl
• water
• sheet of paper
• clear glass

Number of players:
1+

Activity:

Fill the bowl with water.

Crumple up a sheet of paper.

Wedge the paper into the bottom of the glass. Make sure it is stuck in there.

Tip the glass upside down and plunge it vertically into the water.

The water will not reach the paper – why? Because the water cannot get past the air trapped in the glass.

The air in the glass is compressed by the water causing it to push back against the water, which prevents the paper from getting wet.