OPERATION: Pressure

Materials Needed:

• Aluminum soda can
• Small bucket
• Ice
• Long-handled tongs
• Source of fire (gas stove top)

Introduction:

Luke 20:18 tells us that we need to fall before the Lord in obedience and we will be broken; otherwise, He will fall on those who don’t know Him in judgment and will be destroyed.  All of us have pressures in our lives. For some, it is the pressure of work and providing for the family, and for others, it’s the pressure to fit in with a particular group of friends.  In this Operation, we will use a simple method to instantly crush an aluminum can and observe how temperature and density work together. Let’s get started…

Instructions:

1. Get a aluminum soda can and fill it with 1 centimeter of water
2. Fill a small bucket of water that is ICE COLD next to the area where you are working (a large sauce pot will work well)
3. Using the long-handled tongs, place the soda can with water over your fire source (a gas stove top works well because you can control the flame size) ***REMEMBER TO HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION WHEN WORKING WITH FIRE***
4. Wait until the water in the can starts to boil or you see vapor coming out of the can
5. Carefully using the tongs, quickly take the can and turn it upside down as you submerge it completely in the ice bucket of water
6. Observe and write down what happens to the can

Observations:

• How long did it take for the water to boil in your can?
• What happened when the can was submerged in the ice cold water? Why do you think this happened?
• Finish the statement: Charles Law states that as temperature (increases/decreases), density (increases/decreases)
• What would happen if the liquid was changed to soda instead of water?

Life Application:

Pressure can be a good thing in life or it can be a destructive force. An example of good pressure in our lives is one that God puts in front of us to refine us. We are told in James that we are to “count it all joy when we fall into various trials because patience will be produced” in us. These trials that we go through will shape us into God’s image as He gets rid of the things in our lives that slow us down. A great example of this is the clam that gets sand inside of it, and it is this irritation that produces a beautiful pearl. We can also face bad pressures that can be destructive if we yield to them. These pressures are influenced by the world and our flesh and bring pain and sorrow. Peer pressure is the destructive force that tells us we need to conform to this world to be liked. God encourages us to not conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). Stay obedient to what God calls you to do, even if you feel like you’re going against what your friends are telling you to do. God’s Word will never lead you astray!

• What are some things in your life that might be a hindrance in your walk with the Lord? Are you willing to give these to the Lord?
• What pressures are you facing in your life that you feel like you are giving into?
• What does God’s Word say about giving into the lusts of the flesh?

 

 

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