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    Home » Convection Snakes!

    Convection Snakes!

    September 12, 2011 By Emma Vanstone 8 Comments

    This is a lovely activity to show the effect of convection. Little ones will love it just for the moving snake and it is a great way to get older ones to start thinking about the process.

    You will need:

    The snake picture
    Cotton/needle
    Scissors
    Colouring pencils
    A heat source

    1. First of all print out the attached picture of the snake or draw your own.

    Convection Snakes

    Print This!

     

    2. Colour and decorate as you wish

    Convection Snakes

    A spot of decorating!

    3. Cut out the snake so that it makes a spiral.

    4. Thread the cotton and tie a knot at the end.

    5. Thread it through the dot on the tail.

    6. Hold it over a heat source…a lamp that has been on for a while works but over the stove is very effective or a candle.

     

    Safety! Please remember to hold the snake out of reach of the flame and that it can be a potential fire hazard. Supervision of children is essential.

    Why does this work?

    Convection is the transfer of heat in a fluid. A fluid is usually a liquid or a gas!

    In the case of the snake it is the air molecules that are being moved. As the molecules near the heat source warm, they move further apart. This makes the gas (or air) less dense and so it rises being replaced by cooler more dense molecules. The molecules as they rise lose heat, come back close together (increasing density) and sink again and the cycle continues. This circular movement of air particles rises and falling causes the snake to spin. We call it a convection current.

    This process is how radiators work to heat our homes. The hot water inside the radiator heat the radiator by the process of conduction, however the now hot radiator heats the air around it which spreads into the room as it becomes less dense. This is replaced by cooler more dense air which is then heated!

    Last Updated on August 11, 2018 by Emma Vanstone

    « Osmosis and Shrinking Eggs!
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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. maggy, red ted art

      September 14, 2011 at 2:15 pm

      Wow! What a fun experiment!!! Love it! I remember those funny curly whirly things you would place on your palm, but these snakes are much better and show the effect of heat more! Love it!

      Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

      Maggy

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        September 14, 2011 at 10:10 pm

        Thanks Maggy. We love Kids Get Crafty! xx

        Reply
    2. mummiafelice

      September 15, 2011 at 7:39 pm

      Great experiment! I remember making these at school!

      Thanks for linking up to Handmade Thursday! My Son will LOVE your site 🙂

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        September 15, 2011 at 9:00 pm

        I hope he does. Let us know if you try any experiments out. x

        Reply
    3. Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

      September 19, 2011 at 1:26 am

      oh, I love finding fun science experiments so I am SUPER excited to have found you!!

      would love to invite you to link this up to the Sunday Showcase – http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Showcase

      Bern

      Reply
    4. creativejewishmom/sara

      September 19, 2011 at 9:12 pm

      great project! and thanks for giving me a refresher course on what exactly convection is! (a little sad given that I have a BS in physiology)
      Thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday, great to have you!

      Reply
    5. Ticia

      September 25, 2011 at 12:48 pm

      That’s pretty cool. I’ve seen this snake for wind, but it’s fun to see it used for something else.

      Reply

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