1
Engage

What's Floating?

Duration
30 minutes
Type
Engage
Standards
1-LS1-1, 1.MD.A.1

Learning Goals

Students will be able to:

Big Question

"Is air empty? Or is something floating in it?"

Materials Needed

  • Flashlight (one bright one works best)
  • Darkened room (close blinds/curtains)
  • Chalk or chalk eraser (to make more dust visible)
  • Magnifying glasses (optional)

Circle Time: Looking at "Empty" Air (5 min)

Teacher Says:

"Look at the air in our classroom. Does it look empty? Can you see anything floating around? Today I have a magic trick to show you. We are going to see something you did not know was there!"

Activity 1: The Dust Discovery (12 min)

Steps:

  1. Darken the room (close blinds, turn off lights)
  2. Shine the flashlight across the room (not at eyes!)
  3. Look at the beam of light
  4. Ask: "What do you see?"
  5. Clap near the light or shake the chalk eraser to make more visible
  6. Watch the dust dance in the light!
Discovery: "Those tiny specks are called dust! Dust is always floating in the air, but we usually cannot see it. The light helps us see the dust!"

Activity 2: Make the Dust Dance (5 min)

Experiments to Try:

  • Wave your hand through the light beam - watch the dust swirl!
  • Blow gently into the light - see the dust move!
  • Stay very still - watch the dust slowly float down
  • Clap your hands near the light - more dust appears!
Discovery: "When we move, we stir up the dust. When we are still, it slowly falls down."

Movement Break: Dust Dance (5 min)

Pretend to be Dust!

"Float like dust!" - Students sway gently and slowly
"Someone clapped!" - Students spin and swirl
"The air is still!" - Students slowly sink down to the floor
"Wind is blowing!" - Students float and drift across the room

Repeat several times, letting students experience how dust moves with air.

Wrap-Up Circle (3 min)

Ask Students:

  • "What did we see in the light?" (Dust!)
  • "Was the dust there before we turned on the flashlight?" (Yes!)
  • "Is air really empty?" (No, there are tiny things floating in it!)
  • "Where do you think the dust comes from?"

Key Takeaway

Air is not empty! Tiny pieces of dust float in the air all around us. We can see them in a beam of light. The dust is always there, even when we cannot see it!

Teacher Tips

Best Lighting

A bright LED flashlight works best. Natural sunbeams through a window work even better if available!

Safety Note

Remind students never to shine the flashlight in anyone's eyes.

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