Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 33
The Shape of Floatation
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 2 of the PDF under GPS: Sailboat Design Activity), learners will discover how the shape of an object, not just its weight, determines whether it floats or sinks.
Salt 'n Lighter
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discover that as the salinity of water increases, the density increases as well. Learners prove this by attempting to float fresh eggs in saltwater and freshwater.
Descartes' Diver
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore how changes in fluid pressure affect the buoyancy of a Cartesian diver inside a plastic soda bottle.
Cartesian Diver
Source Institutions
In this demonstration, learners observe the effects of density and pressure. A "diver" constructed out of a piece of straw and Blu-Tack will bob inside a bottle filled with water.
Build a Raft
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore density and buoyancy as they design and construct rafts.
Submarine: Lift Bag Lander
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 4), learners create a submarine using a plastic sandwich bag. This is a fun way to learn about buoyancy and how captured gas can cause objects to float.
Above Water: Buoyancy & Displacement
Source Institutions
In an investigation called "Shape It!" learners craft tiny boats out of clay, set them afloat on water and then add weight loads to them, in order to explore: how objects stay afloat in water; what th
Weighty Questions
Source Institutions
In this activity about humans and space travel (page 1 of PDF), learners compare and contrast the behavior of a water-filled plastic bag, both outside and inside of a container of water.
The Great Plankton Race
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners are challenged to design a planktonic organism that will neither float like a cork nor sink like a stone.
Bubble Suspension
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners observe as soap bubbles float on a cushion of carbon dioxide gas. Learners blow bubbles into an aquarium filled with a slab of dry ice.
Trash Traits
Source Institutions
In this activity on page 24, learners perform experiments to examine whether or not trash can float, blow around, or wash away.
Floating Head Cup
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners watch a figure "magically" float up through the air.
Uplifting Force: Buoyancy & Density
Source Institutions
In this investigation, learners explore the force known as buoyancy by placing various objects into water and observing how they behave (for example, which sink more quickly, which float, how much wat
Lager Lamp
Source Institutions
In this demonstration, adult learners create a lava lamp using beer and nuts! Use this pub-themed activity to demonstrate the effects of buoyancy and bubbles.
Boats Afloat
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discover what buoyancy is and determine the characteristics that make an object buoyant. Learners design, build, test, and evaluate boats made from a variety of materials.
Milk Carton Boats
Source Institutions
This activity (on page 2 of the PDF SciGirls Activity: Milk Carton Boat) is a full inquiry investigation into boat hull design.
Condiment Diver
Source Institutions
In this hands-on activity, learners make the world's simplest Cartesian diver, using only a plastic bottle, some water, and a condiment packet.
Sink It
Source Institutions
Learners classify a variety of objects by their characteristics. They then design an experiment to determine which objects float or sink in water and add this characteristic to their classification.
Draggin' Boats
Source Institutions
Learners design, build, and test models of "dragon boats" made from up to three milk cartons.
Watercraft
Source Institutions
In this design challenge activity, learners build a boat that can hold 25 pennies (or 15 one inch metal washers) for at least ten seconds before sinking.