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Plunger power

Friday, August 22, 2008
Did you know the household plunger can be used for more than plunging the toilet? It's another science experiment that might get you and your family "Hooked on Science."

Materials

* 2 sink plungers

Instructions

STEP 1: Attach the plungers by positioning the rubber rims together and pushing.

STEP 2: Have a friend pull on one of the wooden shafts while you pull on the other.

Explanation

You and your friend could not pull the plungers apart because you created a vacuum between the plungers. You can break the seal by prying the rubber cups apart, which allows the air to rush inside the cups.

Jason Lindsey is a Science Outreach Educator for the Bootheel Youth Museum. Check out his website "Hooked On Science" at hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindsey@bootheelyouthmuseum.org. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.