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Description

A fun, high‑energy activity where Beavers use a bendy straw and a ping‑pong ball to make the ball hover in mid‑air. By blowing steadily through the straw, the ball stays floating above the end thanks to Bernoulli’s Principle. Great for engagement and introducing simple breath control.

Resources

- Bendy straws (one per participant)
- Ping‑pong balls or small balls made from scrunched tinfoil
- Space for the Beavers to stand and blow safely
Optional: Spare straws and balls in case of drops or breakages

Instructions

- Prepare the straw
Bend the bendy straw into an “L” shape so that one end is short and the other points straight upward.
- Get into position
Place the short end of the straw in your mouth and hold the long end so it’s pointing straight up toward the ceiling.
- Add the ball
Gently place a ping‑pong ball (or foil ball) over the opening at the top of the straw.
- Start blowing
Blow a steady, controlled stream of air through the straw. The ball should begin to rise and hover above the straw.
- Keep it floating
Encourage participants to try to keep the ball hovering for as long as possible without falling.

- Explain the science (optional)
“When you blow through the straw, you create a tiny, invisible wind tunnel. Inside that tunnel, the air whooshes so fast that it can’t hold the ball up. But the air around the tunnel is stronger — like invisible hands! Those invisible air hands gently push the ball into the centre and keep it floating like magic!”

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