Cartesian Diver
Source Institutions
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Institute of Physics
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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. This highly visual demonstration works best when learners can try moving the diver up and down themselves. This activity can also be related to how animals, like whales, dive in deep waters. This activity guide includes a helpful video that demonstrates each step of the demonstration.
- Under 5 minutes
- Under 5 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per group of students
- Ages 4 - adult
- Activity, Demonstration
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- large plastic bottle (~2L) with lid, filled with water
- glass filled with water (for testing the ‘diver’)
- straw
- Blu-Tack
- scissors
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Earth Structure
- Oceans and Water
- Earth Structure
- Life Sciences
- Diversity of Life
- Animals
- Diversity of Life
- Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
- Structure and Properties of Matter
- Volume and Density
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Animals
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Institute of Physics,
