Using Atmospheric Pressure to Crush a Can Lab Sheet

In this Earth Science lab, students will crush a soda can using atmospheric pressure. This is a common science experiment with a twist. In this version, students will calculate the total air pressure found on the outside of the can. The kids will take the surface area formula of a cylinder and find out about how many pounds of air is sitting on top of and around the can. This lab also attempts to incorporate math into a science class.

Students will learn what psia (pounds per square inch actual) is for their elevation. This reinforces the idea that there is less air pressure the higher up you go in the atmosphere. Students will then heat up a tin can and watch it implode. It is amazing how many students have never seen this experiment.

Here is a youtube link showing the imploding cans up close and in slow motion.

https://youtu.be/R-Gx9usiHZk

After the experiment is over, students will answer questions based on their own observations as they discover why the experiment worked the way it did.

This product is in a Google Doc so you will be able to modify questions or instructions as you see fit, that meet the needs of your students.

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