Physics teacher Alan Haigh carries out the Cartesian Diver experiment in front of his year 7's but disguises it as magic trick, complete with wand! The pupils construct their own theories as to how the diver is moving, such as magnetism and static electricity and then build. Alan provides them with a range of laboratory equipment to test their theories. As the class gets to grips with what is actually happening, they start to consider the effect of pressure and density on the diver. Alan, a physics teacher at Woodkirk High School, first used this lesson idea with his tutorial group but has now adapted it and uses it across the year groups.

Video Series: Great Lesson Ideas
Release Date 2010