FREE PRIMARY SCIENCE · Year 5
Air: the invisible stuff
If we can’t see air, how do we know it is made of anything at all?
Students prove that “empty” cups and bags are full of air, learn how scientists over 2000 years, including a botanist who had explored Australia, built the evidence that matter is made of tiny moving particles, then read data showing that pumping air into a ball makes it heavier and harder. Lesson 1 uses cups, paper towel, a tub of water and plastic bags; lessons 2 and 3 need only a screen or printout, paper and pencils.
3 free lessons · Australian Curriculum v9
Lessons in this topic
Each lesson includes a teacher plan and activities. Check its materials label before teaching.
Is air really something?
Can an “empty” cup keep a piece of paper dry underwater?
Open free interactive lesson →Seeing the jiggle
How did scientists prove that matter is made of tiny moving particles?
Open free interactive lesson →Pump it up
Does pumping air into a ball make it heavier?
Open free interactive lesson →
How to use these lessons
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