Boyle's Law investigation using marshmallows in a syringe
Initial Publication Date: September 18, 2008
Summary
This activity is designed to accompany lecture on Boyle's law. Students use manipulatives to demonstrate the principles of Boyle's law then summarize their observations on the accompanying worksheet.
CollapseLearning Goals
Students are able to visualize and manipulate the relationship between pressure and volume in this activity.
Context for Use
This activity should accompany a lecture on Boyle's Law. It can be modified for use either before or after. It typically takes 5-10 minutes. I have enough materials for everyone to do their own investigation, but sharing materials would work as well.
Materials needed: syringe, marshmallows (mini for small syringe)
Materials needed: syringe, marshmallows (mini for small syringe)
Description and Teaching Materials
Students place a few marshmallows in the syringe, then push the plunger until it touches the marshmallows. Covering the tip of the syringe with their finger, students pull the plunger up and watch as the marshmallows expand. Students then return the marshmallows to their original position, pull the plunger to the top of the syringe, cover the tip and push the plunger down. Students observe how the marshmallows "shrink." Students complete the attached worksheet as the do the activity. The results are then discussed as a class. Boyle's law activity worksheet (Microsoft Word 28kB Sep18 08)
Teaching Notes and Tips
Though the activity seems (and is) rather easy, I find that my 9th graders as well as my seniors enjoy and learn from this. It helps them to visualize that mathematical pressure-volume relationship.
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Assessment
Students turn in the attached worksheet for a grade.
Standards
II.A.7 - states of matter