2
Explore

Air is Everywhere

Duration
30 minutes
Type
Explore
Standards
K-PS2-1, 2-PS1-1

Learning Goals

Students will be able to:

Big Question

"Where can we find air? Is it inside things too?"

Materials Needed

  • Clear container or bucket of water
  • Empty plastic bottles
  • Sponges
  • Dry cups
  • Paper towels
  • Various objects (rocks, cork, toys)

Circle Time: Air Hunt Introduction (5 min)

Teacher Says:

"Yesterday we learned that air is real. Today we are going on an air hunt! We are going to find air hiding in different places. Is there air inside this bottle? Let us find out!"

Activity 1: Air in a Bottle (8 min)

Steps:

  1. Hold up an "empty" plastic bottle
  2. Ask: "Is this bottle empty or full?"
  3. Push the bottle under water (opening down)
  4. Slowly tip it - watch the bubbles come out!
  5. Let students try with their own bottles
Discovery: "The bottle was full of air! When the air came out, it made bubbles. Now the water can go in!"

Activity 2: Squeeze the Sponge (7 min)

Steps:

  1. Give each table a dry sponge and bowl of water
  2. Ask: "Is there air inside this sponge?"
  3. Push the sponge underwater and squeeze it
  4. Watch the bubbles - that is the air escaping!
Discovery: "Sponges have tiny holes filled with air. We can squeeze the air out!"

Activity 3: The Magic Cup Trick (5 min)

Teacher Demonstration:

  1. Stuff a paper towel in the bottom of a clear cup
  2. Push the cup straight down into water (upside down)
  3. Pull it out - the paper towel is still dry!
  4. Ask: "Why did the paper stay dry?"
Discovery: "The air in the cup kept the water out! Air takes up space and protects the paper towel."

Movement Break: Air is Everywhere Chant (3 min)

Say and Move Together:

"Air is here!" (point down)
"Air is there!" (point up)
"Air is, air is, EVERYWHERE!" (spin around with arms out)
"In a bottle!" (pretend to hold bottle)
"In a cup!" (pretend to hold cup)
"Air fills everything up!" (puff out cheeks)

Wrap-Up Circle (2 min)

Ask Students:

  • "Where did we find air today?"
  • "How do we know air is inside things?" (Bubbles!)
  • "Is the air inside or outside the classroom?" (Both!)

Key Takeaway

Air is everywhere! It fills bottles, sponges, cups, and all the spaces around us. When air escapes underwater, it makes bubbles!

Teacher Tips

Setup Tip

Have towels ready! This lesson involves water. Consider doing it at a water table or outside.

Extension

Go on a classroom "air hunt" - where else can they find air hiding?

← Lesson 1 Lesson 3: We Breathe Air →