======Spinning Convection Snake====== **Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\ **Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\ **Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\ \\ **Categories:** {{$demo.categories}} \\ **Alternative titles:** Heat Rising Snake ====Summary==== {{$demo.summary}} ====Procedure==== - Draw a snake in a spiral shape on a sheet of paper, or print a convection snake template. - Color and decorate the snake as desired. - Carefully cut out the spiral along the lines. - Tape a piece of cotton thread to the center end of the spiral so the snake can hang freely. - Hold the hanging snake above a gentle heat source, such as a candle, lamp, or radiator. - Observe as the snake begins to spin due to the movement of warm air rising. ====Links==== Spinning Snake Science Experiment: Learn about Convection - AK Academy: {{youtube>a1ClDdyVnnY?}}\\ 📄 Spinning Spiral Snake - KiwiCo: [[https://www.kiwico.com/diy/stem/quick-easy-experiments/spinning-spiral-snake?srsltid=AfmBOorWzl4WtZLGYdQ3o2HNExSXq0v7r9864L-K-OSnk-Xv6XGfnUZ5]]\\ ====Variations==== * Try using different paper thicknesses to see how they affect the spinning speed. * Test different heat sources such as a hair dryer on a low setting or a sunny windowsill. * Make multiple snakes of different sizes and compare how quickly they spin. ====Safety Precautions==== * Adult supervision is essential when using a candle or any heat source. * Keep the paper snake a safe distance from the flame to avoid fire hazards. * Ensure the area around the heat source is clear of flammable materials. * Do not leave the experiment unattended while heat is applied. ====Questions to Consider==== * Why does the snake spin when held over heat? (Because warm air rises, creating convection currents that move the snake.) * What happens to the air particles near the heat source? (They move faster, spread out, and become less dense.) * How does this demonstrate convection? (It shows how heat transfer through moving air causes circular motion.) * Can you think of other real-life examples of convection? (Examples include radiators heating rooms and air rising over warm ground to form wind.)