Third Graders in Ms. Christy Moore’s classroom expanded their knowledge of weather patterns over the past two weeks, specifically learning how hot and cool air effect those patterns. This particular experiment was just one part of their weather unit in 3rd grade science.
Using a giant, black plastic bag, the students observed as the bag started to rise as the air inside heated. As a follow-up, students went outside the following week to do the same experiment but using clear and white trash bags in addition to the black bag. Students were able to observe as the black bag rose into the air while the clear and white bags remained grounded.
The experiment illustrated that when the air is heated, it rises. In the context of weather, Ms. Moore explained to students that as that air rises, it cools and causes water vapor in the air to condense and cause clouds and precipitation.
