Jumping Beans from Aluminum Foil and Marbles
Can you make a bean jump? With a marble and some aluminum foil, it's super easy! This experiment shows you how to create a fun, bouncing bean with simple materials.
What you'll need
- Aluminum foil
- Marbles
- Scissors
- Container with lid
- Thick marker, ~ diameter of the marble
How it works
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Take a rectangular piece of aluminum foil, about the size of your hand. Wrap it around a marker or your finger to create a small tube. Make sure it's about as wide as the marble so it can fit inside later.
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Gently pull the marker or finger out of the tube and insert a marble. Then, lightly pinch both ends of the aluminum foil together so the marble doesn't fall out but can still move freely.
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Place the closed aluminum foil tube in a container and shake it for a few seconds. This will reshape the tube into a bean shape.
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Now it gets exciting! Hold the bean in your hand and let it roll on the table. Watch as it suddenly starts to bounce! The marble inside creates the fun jumping movements.
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The marble inside constantly shifts its center of gravity as the bean rolls. This causes the aluminum foil to tilt repeatedly, creating the surprising jumping effect. Experiment to see if different shapes or firmer aluminum foil change the movement. Have fun experimenting!
What kids learn from this
- Curiosity & scientific thinking
- Imagination & social connection
