This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource focusses on using the effects of air pressure to make it look as though there is no gravity in an upside-down glass of water.
Gravity is a really important force that makes sure everything stays on the ground, but can it be defied?!
Purpose of this activity
In this activity learners will perform an experiment showing how the effects of air pressure can be used to seemingly defy gravity. They will fill a glass with water, place a piece of card over it and turn it upside down, discussing how and why the water stays in the glass.
This activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce the effects of gravity and air pressure, or as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focussing on different types of forces.
