Bird Bones (61 Near Nature Experiments)

You will need:

1. Paper plate or
   styrofoam plate
2. Coins
3. 3 sheets of A4 size
   printer paper
4. Tape

We all have learnt that birds have hollow bones which are light in weight and assist them to fly. But how can hollow bones support the weight of the bird?

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Take 3 sheets of A4 size printer paper
   and roll them vertically so that they may
   be about 11 inches tall and 1 inch in
   diameter.
2. Tape the sheets individually so that they
   may not unroll.
3. Next, taking the help of your friend erect the 3 rolls of paper or ‘hollow bones’ and place a paper plate on top, so that your structure may resemble a high 3-legged stool.
4. So as to hold the plate in place, you could
   tape the paper rolls gently to the bottom
   of the plate.
5. Gradually, add coins into the plate, evenly
   distributing their weight on the plate.
6. Keep adding and counting coins one after
   another until the structure collapses.

RESULT

The concept of hollow bones seems impossible, especially since it is difficult to believe that such bones can support the weight and muscle mass of birds. But through this experiment, it is easier to understand how strong a bird’s bones actually are. Note down how many coins the hollow paper rolls could hold before they finally collapsed. You will be surprised with the weight supported by the hollow paper rolls.