Science Experiments with A Drinking Straw

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By wavegirl22

Kids Science Experiments

There are many different easy Science experiments that kids can do with just a regular plastic drinking straw. You can find some different projects that are easy and fun in Science Experiments Using Straws.

We know that straws were invented by Marvin Chester Stone in 1905

We learned from other science experiments that  from a simple plastic drinking straw we can make a medicine dropper, a perfume atomizer and make a spray water bottle. Read more for some other straw science experiments.

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What is A Straw

Teaching kids about science and straws let start with the fact that a pipette, a tube that scientists use to measure and transfer liquid from one container to another works the same way a straw does.

Here we will see an experiment using a straw to produce sound waves and see how wheels make work easier with friction.

Nobody completely understands what causes friction but with this easy science project you can see and learn by doing.

Put the straw in the bottle and blow across the straw.
Put the straw in the bottle and blow across the straw.
In musical instruments such as a trombone or a clarinet, sound originates at the mouthpiece.
In musical instruments such as a trombone or a clarinet, sound originates at the mouthpiece.

Make Some Sound Waves

A Straw Turns into A Trombone

With a soda bottle, some water and a straw you can make a slide trombone. By submerging one end of a straw in water and blowing across the other end, you can make the air inside the straw vibrate and, in turn, produce sound.

You will need:

  • a straw
  • water
  • a soda (or any bottle)

What to Do:

  • Pour water into the bottle until it is about 3/4 full.
  • Put the straw in the bottle. Blow across the top of the straw in the bottle.
  • Then either lower the bottle or lift the straw and continue to blow.

See what happens to the sound when you lower the straw
See what happens to the sound when you lower the straw

What Happens:

As you lower the bottle, the sound gets lower in pitch.

Why:

You are lengthening the column of air in the straw. This is how a slide trombone works. The movement changes the length of the air column in the straw. The longer the column of air, the longer the wavelength and the lower the frequency of the sound waves. The lower the frequency of the sound waves, the lower the pitch.

Water and Air Trombone- Cut a straw one inch from the top end about 3/4 of the way through. Bend and blow through the short end while you move the other one up and down. For an air trombone pinch different lengths of the straw.
Water and Air Trombone- Cut a straw one inch from the top end about 3/4 of the way through. Bend and blow through the short end while you move the other one up and down. For an air trombone pinch different lengths of the straw.
More Science Projects with Straws
More Science Projects with Straws
To Make a Straw Wheel you need a Book and some Straws
To Make a Straw Wheel you need a Book and some Straws
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Try To Move the Book

Science Experiment

Straw Wheels

Do wheels make work easier?

Lets see . .

What you need:

  • 2 Straws
  • A book

What To Do:

Place a book on the table and try to push it. Then place the straws on the table and  put the book on top of the straws. Push the book.


What Happened to the Book:

Without the straws, you need to push hard to move the book. With the straws, the book moves more easily.

Why:

when one item rubs against another, it resists moving because both surfaces are not completely smooth, The bumps of one surface the book catches the bumps in the other the table,. The amount of resistance, known as friction, depends on the kinds of surfaces and the forces pressing them. The rougher the surfaces, the greater the friction. Rolling results in less friction than sliding.

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Science Experiment Comments

Cagsil profile image

Cagsil Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago

Hey Shari, that was a pretty cool hub. Found it a great read. I'm headed over to your other hubs on science. You did an excellent job on presentation. Thank you. :)

Coolmon2009 profile image

Coolmon2009 Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

I enjoyed reading your article, reminds me of elementary school science projects.

wavegirl22 profile image

wavegirl22 Hub Author 2 years ago

Cags - wow . .that is big hearing those words from you! More science to come. . thank you for these words here:)

Coolmom - and it is from when my daughter was in grade school that I am pulling these ideas out from. I forgot how much fun we had . . thanks for coming by. . you really are a cool mom:))

billyaustindillon profile image

billyaustindillon Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

Great science experiments for the little ones - and yep lots of fun to be had!

wavegirl22 profile image

wavegirl22 Hub Author 2 years ago

billy - sure is fun .. especially the second time around! And this time I did the experiments I didnt miss out on taking photos along the way!!!!! It really got the kids into it. .and as you can tell I had exceptional models/helpers :)))

entertianmentplus profile image

entertianmentplus 2 years ago

Very good hub.The kids are going to love this one. What a fun way to learn.

wavegirl22 profile image

wavegirl22 Hub Author 2 years ago

entertainment ~ take pictures!!! I cant wait to hear how it goes!! Thanks for the visit. . I really need these final cheers ;)

billyaustindillon profile image

billyaustindillon Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

Yes I can see the fun - great photos!

wavegirl22 profile image

wavegirl22 Hub Author 2 years ago

billyaustindillon - Yes it is so fun especially when they are in such a "curious' stage! Thanks for the smile from your comments.

ss sneh profile image

ss sneh 2 years ago

very good hub for kids...making them involved and entertained

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