Try experimenting with plastic bags of different sizes and thicknesses. The thicker the bag, the harder it is to get the pencil to pass through.
For a really thin bag, use a plastic bag from the produce section of the grocery store. Experiment with different sizes and shapes of pencils.
Some pencils have flat edges while others have perfectly round, smooth edges. Which type of pencil works best?
This next gem is an extension of the “Baby Diaper Secret” activity. Collect the superabsorbent powder from the lining of two or three diapers. After all of the
pencils are pushed through the bag, carefully open the bag and sprinkle in the superabsorbent powder. Give the powder a few seconds to solidify the water and
remove the pencils.
Use “The Leakproof Bag” as an object lesson for a message on school spirit and leadership.
Let the bag of water represent the student body and use the pencils to demonstrate the excitement of school spirit (spear-it!).
Each pencil represents a different element of school spirit—teamwork, pride, unity, attitude, dedication, and fun.
As the pencils pass through the water, the student body helps to magnify the message of involvement and participation in school activities throughout the year.
What happens when the spirit pencils are removed? Is it possible to stop the leaks? How do we keep the enthusiasm alive?
Collect the superabsorbent powder from the “Baby Diaper Secret” in a cup and label it “LEADERSHIP.” With just the proper amount of leadership, the student body is
forever changed.