Experiment: Does Air Take Up Space?

Remember: We cannot see air but air is all around us. Try this experiment to find out whether air takes up space.

What You Need:
- a clear plastic container
- water
- a plastic cup (shorter than the container)
- a piece of paper towel

What You Do:
1. Fill the container nearly to the top with water.
2. Crunch up the paper towel. Push it down to the bottom of the cup.
3. Turn the cup over. Push the cup into the water. Do NOT tilt the cup.
4. Pull the cup straight out of the water. Check the paper towel.

Was the paper towel wet or dry?
What kept the towel dry?