Ring and ball thermal expansion apparatus designed for elementary science instruction. Includes a metal ring and two balls, one copper and one plastic, so students can observe how different materials expand with heat and compare results. Key benefits Clear demonstration of thermal expansion: shows how a heated object changes size and how those changes affect fit through a fixed ring. Sidebyside comparison of materials: copper and plastic balls illustrate different expansion behaviors for repeated classroom experiments. Classroomready design: intended for elementary science classes and lab activities, easy to handle for guided lessons and group work. Reusable and versatile: suitable for demonstrations, handson labs, and small group practice without complex setup. Improves conceptual understanding: helps students visualize and test the relationship between temperature and material dimensions. Features and attributes Function: ring and ball apparatus for thermal expansion experiments and physics demonstrations. Materials included: copper ball and plastic ball paired with a matching metal ring. Compatibility: compatible with standard elementary school laboratory procedures and common classroom heating methods when used with appropriate supervision. Size and handling: compact components sized for tabletop demonstrations and student handling in supervised lessons. Performance: designed to show measurable differences in fit and expansion between metal and plastic under heat, supporting repeated classroom trials. Use scenarios Classroom demonstration: Teacher heats the copper ball and tests whether it still passes through the ring to illustrate thermal expansion during a live lesson. Student lab activity: Small groups perform the ring and ball experiment using both balls to record and compare results, reinforcing scientific observation and reporting skills. Science fair or presentation: Students demonstrate how different materials respond to heat by comparing copper and plastic balls, explaining observations to an audience. How it supports instruction Reinforces curriculum topics in elementary physics such as thermal expansion, material properties, and experimental method. Encourages inquiry by allowing students to make predictions, test outcomes, and discuss reasons for differences between materials. Works well with lesson plans that include hypothesis writing, data collection, and simple analysis. Basic use guidance Use under teacher supervision and follow standard classroom safety practices. Heat one ball at a time using approved classroom heating methods, then test fit through the ring and record observations. Repeat with the other ball to compare behavior and discuss causes. This ring and ball set is a practical teaching tool for elementary science classrooms, offering a straightforward way to demonstrate thermal expansion and material differences through handson activity.