Interactive Primary Bulletin 38
Science is just magic!

Santa felled

This is an interesting demonstration which has been the cause of endless debate and conjecture in SSERC recently. Like most of the demonstrations in this issue of the Newsletter the set-up is simple but the answers can be elusive.

Figure 21 - Santa stood up

Although many more elegant ways can be used, a very simple way to show the power of (is it a sound wave or puff of air) requires only an empty plastic bottle, a striking implement (ruler, wooden spoon, scissors, mallet etc) and a strip of paper.

Cut a strip of paper about 10 cm long by 3 cm wide. Make a fold about 2 cm from one end. Draw/stick a picture of Santa on the paper, and stand him up. Holding the bottle about 15 cm from Santa, and pointing the open end towards him, strike the bottle sharply on the end.

Figure 22 - Santa-shoot apparatus

What causes Santa to fall over? Is it a sound wave or a puff of air? What can you do to investigate the whys and wherefores? Answers on a Christmas card to ........

Move the mouse over the pic above to start the movie.

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