The magic jumping coin trick is a simple at home science experiment that will get your kids to gasp, "How does it do that!?" It's a magic trick that doubles as a science experiment!
How to Make a Coin Jump Off a Bottle
You can prep the jumping coin science experiment in just a few minutes and you only need a few common household items!
What you need:
- Glass bottle
- Water
- Coin large enough to cover the top of the bottle. A quarter is usually just right and you can grab one from the pile your kids were using in the coin sorting activity.
Instructions
First, chill the glass bottle and a coin by placing them in very cold water. Be sure to place the entire bottle in the water.
Next, place the coin on top of the bottle.
Finally, wrap your hands around the bottle and wait.
In a moment, the coin will jump up off the bottle!
Science Behind the Trick
The reason the coin jumps off the bottle is because of thermal expansion. The warm air created with your hands pushes upward with more strength than cold air, making the coin jump!
For younger kids, the experiment itself doesn't provide hours of entertainment, but a bowl of water, a coin and a bottle do, so let your kids enjoy some sensory play after observing the cool science trick. Sure, the table will get really wet, but that's what towels are for!
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Alycia in Va. says
Thanks for the science link...hadn't seen that one and will check it out.
I wonder if the experiment will work with other coins?
Our family says
Do you need to just a plastic bottle or a glass one? Looks fun. I'm limited to time on the net as I'm doing the "turn off week", no television so far, easy, but the net is a hard habit to kick.
Maria
Mom and Kiddo says
I tried it with a plastic bottle, too. It seemed to work better with glass.
MoziEsmé says
Looks like an interesting one! Though I think my kid would enjoy the water play best, too!
cathy says
I'm always looking for good, easy science experiments to do with my kids. This one looks great!
Amy @ Sunlit Pages says
Awesome! I'm pinning this one to use in our preschool co-op this year!
Erica MomandKiddo says
I hope you have fun with it!
Dulcie says
I'm going to give this a try. Thanks.
Nana to three.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Have fun with it!