Child holding a plastic bag with a straw and sponge to create air pressure in a bag.

STREAM Activity: Air Pressure

Experiment with air pressure! This can be done anywhere using a Ziploc bag, 2 sponges, and a straw.
Activity best for children ages 3 and up (with adult supervision!)

MATERIALS

  • 2 Sponges

  • Straw

  • Ziploc bag

  • Tape

  • Cotton ball or pom pom

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Place two sponges inside a Ziploc bag.

STEP 2

Place a straw in-between the sponges with one end inside the bag and the other end sticking outside the bag.

STEP 3

Seal the Ziploc bag with tape.

STEP 4

Blow into the straw to inflate the bag.

STEP 5

Test it out! Use a pom pom, cotton ball, or another light weight object and press down on the bag with the straw facing your object.

EXTENSION

Build two air pressure machines and have a race. Which objects are faster?