Lifelong Learning Programme

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TEACHERS EXPERIENCES FORM

Title of the Experience
The cup will not let you drink a lot
Name of the teacher
Josep Bernardo i Vera
Country where it took place
Spain
School typology
High Secondary School
Thematic Area
Physics
Experience typology
Laboratory
Type of contact
Direct
Description of the Experience
This experience can motivate students towards learning science.
It is made with the top of a bottle that has been cut in a half. The bottle cap is pierced to allow passage of a straw (of which are used in brick 200ml) and plug hole with clay is completely closed. Reassemble the average inverted bottle, which simulates a drink and the straw is placed so that the longest part is protruding from the bottle stopper. It can use a colored plastic to prevent seeing the inside of the bottle or hide placing a cylinder inverted straw inside the bottle. The cup can be filled with water without problems until it reaches the top of the straw. As far exceed the level of the straw empties quickly.

This experience shows students that the cup will empty alone if it is completely full. It is something unexpected for them and motivates towards scientific knowledge that will enable them to better understand the world in which they live.
From the practice I can explain the concept of communicating vessels, as well as atmospheric pressure and hydrostatic pressure, that are maintaining a balance while the cup is not full.

Comments on this Teachers Experience

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Date: 2014.11.06

Posted by Raúl V. Lerma (Spain)

The experience which is described is simple and shows the principle of communicating vessels.
The students can be surprised by the fact the cup empties quickly if it is filled and exceed the level of the straw and this experience can motivate students through science understanding.

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