Creating Microgravity

Purpose: To create microgravity

Materials

• paper cup
• masking tape
• thin rubber band
• washer or nut
• scissors
• science journal

Procedure

1. Cut the rubber band and tie one end to a nut or washer. The nut or washer should be heavy enough to stretch the rubber band when suspended from the free end.
2. Tape the free end of the rubber band to the inside of the cup.
3. Hold the cup upside down.
4. Slowly turn the cup right side up so that the nut or washer hangs outside the cup.
5. Drop the cup to the floor from eye level and observe what happens to the nut or washer.
6. Record your observations in your science journal.
7. Discuss how microgravity affects astronauts working and living in space. For example, how can fluids (in water cooling systems, gas circulation, etc.) be moved in microgravity?