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Airplanes stay in the air thanks to Bernoulli’s Principle, which explains how fast-moving air creates lower pressure. When air moves quickly over a surface, the pressure decreases.

For an airplane, air moves faster over the curved top of the wings, creating low pressure above and higher pressure below. This pressure difference generates lift, pushing the plane upward and keeping it in the sky!

In this project created by Mary Kate, a member of the Rosie Innovators STEM program for young women in high school, you’ll explore Bernoulli’s Principle with a hands-on experiment. Ready to see how air pressure creates lift? Gather the materials listed and follow the instructions below!

Required Materials

  • 1 plastic straws
  • masking tape
  • 1 small plastic funnel
  • 1 ping pong ball

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1

Bend the straw (at the built-in crevices) at a 90° angle

Step 2

Tape the funnel at the tip (opposite of the bend) of the straw

Step 3

Place ping pong ball in funnel and blow through opposite end of straw, demonstrating Bernoulli’s principle.

Real Women in STEM

Resource 1

Phoebe Omlie

Phoebe Omlie was an American aviation pioneer and female aviator. She received the first Transport Pilot’s License and Airplane Mechanic’s License issued to a woman and set many speed, endurance and altitude records.