{"id":54037,"date":"2025-10-08T04:33:39","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T19:33:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=54037"},"modified":"2025-10-08T04:33:39","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T19:33:39","slug":"the-desk-lifting-trick-how-invisible-air-can-lift-a-cow-seriously","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=54037&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"The Desk-Lifting Trick: How Invisible Air Can Lift a Cow (Seriously!)"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m Ken Kuwako, a Science Trainer, and every day is an experiment!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

“Air” surrounds us everywhere. It’s such an obvious, everyday presence that we rarely stop to think about its weight or force. But what if this invisible air held enough power to effortlessly lift a heavy school desk? Today, I’m going to introduce you to an amazing science experiment that lets you feel the incredible, hidden power of air\u2014Atmospheric Pressure\u2014with nothing more than a single plastic sheet!<\/p>\n

\u3010This article is also available as a radio broadcast.<\/a>\u3011<\/p>\n

\"%e3%82%ad%e3%83%a3%e3%83%97%e3%83%81%e3%83%a31\"<\/p>\n

When teaching “pressure” in a science class, the classic experiment of crushing a can using atmospheric pressure is a staple, but it can be a bit tricky to set up. If you want a more straightforward and dramatic way to experience the power of air pressure, this “Lifting a Desk with a Plastic Sheet” experiment is perfect. All you need are three things: a desk (found in any classroom or home), a plastic sheet\/binder cover, and a couple of suction cups, both easily available at a dollar store. The setup takes only a moment, but it will simultaneously amaze students with a reaction like “Wait, that’s all it takes?!” and inspire a realization: “Air pressure is that strong!”<\/p>\n

This experiment can be done anywhere\u2014in a regular classroom, a science lab, or even your living room at home. Come and enjoy the moment when the force of air truly becomes “visible.”<\/p>\n

Experiment Setup and Procedure<\/h3>\n

\u25c6 Materials Needed (Per Group)<\/h4>\n
    \n\u00a0\t<\/p>\n
  • Plastic Sheet \/ Binder Cover (B5 size, approx. 18.2 cm x 25.7 cm) \u2026 1<\/li>\n

    \u00a0\t<\/p>\n

  • Suction Cups (approx. 3.6 cm in diameter) \u2026 2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    *I purchased both items at a 100-yen shop (Seria).<\/p>\n

    *I prepared 12 sheets and 24 suction cups for the class, depending on the number of groups.<\/p>\n

    \u25bcSample Product Reference:<\/p>\n

      \n\u00a0\t<\/p>\n
    • “Mini Super Hook, Suction Cup Type (Pack of 5)” \u00a5110 (Tax Included)<\/li>\n

      \u00a0\t<\/p>\n

    • Similar products are available on Amazon and Rakuten.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \u25c6 Experiment Method<\/h4>\n
        \n\u00a0\t<\/p>\n
      1. Wipe the desk surface clean and place the plastic sheet flatly on top, ensuring no gaps are left underneath.<\/li>\n

        \u00a0\t<\/p>\n

      2. Firmly press and attach the two suction cups near the center of the sheet.<\/li>\n

        \u00a0\t<\/p>\n

      3. Hold the handles of the suction cups with both hands and try to pull straight up, very slowly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n