Seven Fun Science Experiments about Air You Can Do at Home, Part 3

NOTE: it is always good to wear safety glasses when doing any science experiment.

GET VACUUMED PACKED!: Warning- do not do this without adult supervision. SUPPLIES: A tank vacuum and a large garbage or leaf bag. Get a volunteer to put their legs inside the leaf bag and pull it up around their body as high as it will go. Have the volunteer pull the bag tightly around his body with no leaks and sit on a chair or on the floor. Insert the hose in the bag, having the volunteer or another person hold it tightly. The hose should be by the person’s stomach and away from the plastic or clothing that will stop the suction.

 Turn the vacuum on. Watch the plastic tighten around  the person’s body. Once the plastic is really tight, the person won’t even be able to move their legs! Of course, never put the bag on someone’s head. This creates a powerful suction- if done right, you can hardly move!

Submitted by S. Jeppesen

Youth Services Librarian

Hunter Library (Salt Lake County Library Services)