Buoyancy Explorer

Objective:  Does it float or sink? Use this virtual experiment to try different solids and liquids. Guess what will happen. Then drop the blocks into the liquids and see for yourself.

Procedure: 

1.  Begin the lesson by explaining the concept of buoyancy. Ask students to give examples of objects they have seen float or sink. Ask them to form a hypothesis as to why these objects sank or float. Pass out the Float or Sink worksheet in advance - it allows students to "guess" which objects will float or sink in different liquids.

2.  After students have made their hypotheses, have them go to the Buoyancy Explorer website to test them.

3.  Students will also need to view the website, What's Behind the Buoyancy Explorer?, to answer some of the questions on the worksheet.

Assessment:  Grade the worksheet.  Be sure not to grade student hypotheses for correctness.

Resources:
Website:  Buoyancy Explorer
Website:  What's Behind the Buoyancy Explorer?
Worksheet:  Float or Sink?  (Word) (PDF)