Flying Ping-Pong Balls
Strand: Understanding Structures and Mechanisms
Topic: Flight (Lift – Bernoulli’s Principle)
Grade: 6
Specific Expectations:
-use scientific inquiry/experimentation skills to investigate the properties of air
-identify the properties of air that make flight possible
-use appropriate science and technology vocabulary, including aerodynamics,
compress, flight, glide, propel, drag, thrust, and lift, in oral and written
communication
-describe, in qualitative terms, the relationships between the forces of lift,
weight, thrust, and drag that are required for flight
Required materials:
-ping-pong ball
-hair dryer
Procedure:
1) Plug the hair dryer in.
2) Pointing the stream of air upward, turn the hair dryer onto the coolest,
highest setting
3) Place ping-pong ball over the stream of air, about 1 foot away from end of
hair dryer.
Scientific explanation:
The ping-pong ball is being lifted by applying Bernoulli’s Principle. The fastmoving air being exerted from the hair dryer creates a low area of pressure
underneath and around the sides of the ping-pong ball, while high pressure is
being placed on the top of the ping-pong ball. The area of low pressure allows
just enough high pressure to keep the ball in place.
References:
Science & Technology: Air and Flight (grade 6)
www.stevespandlerscience.com/experiment/00000037
Considerations & Opportunities
-hair dryer may become hot to the touch – use cool air setting if possible
-have hair dryer already plugged in if using this activity in an independent center
format (review safety procedures for electricity/outlets)
-students may record and compare their observations while participating in the
activity
By: Sheena Farrow-Nagy & Jen Yates (PJ 2)