Do you know how to make a cloud in a bottle?

For those of you who were there, I had a blast at our science kick-off assembly. The kids were awesome. What great listeners, and thinkers! I look forward to working with such great students and teachers. Thank you to the Foundation and Mrs. Huff for working so hard to bring about this program.  

As you probably heard, we practiced acting like scientists at the science kick-off assembly. Through careful observation and thought, the secret of the Cartesian Diver was discovered by many. I challenged the students to research Cartesian Divers and think of new ways to use them. I hope to hear of many student ideas to modify this system into a new invention. I have many invention ideas that I am keeping secret, for now. Of course, thinking of ways to use a Cartesian Diver could be the basis of many family discussions, projects, even a business. Oops! I guess I gave  that idea away. Exceptional invention ideas could be displayed in the science bungalow. Web search if you need basic directions.

As scientists, we also built a model of the physical world by making a cloud in a 5 gallon water bottle. I added a bit of water and dust (smoke from a match) to the bottle. I changed the air pressure by forcing air into the bottle with my mouth. The cloud appeared and disappeared as the air pressure decreased then increased. We related  the conditions inside the bottle to real weather in the atmosphere. A responsible adult can make a cloud in a bottle for a great learning experience. 

Hold onto your hats! I hope to use the assembly as a springboard for many other science activities this year. 


Bruce Wollitz