Name: ______Date: ______
Sink or Float?
We have been studying water and now it is time to put your knowledge to work!
1. Materials: Please make sure you have all of the materials necessary to conduct the experiment. Place a check mark next to each item. If you are missing any materials, please raise your hand and I will give you what you are missing!
Materials:
____ plastic container
____ water
____ paper towels
____ balance scale
____ gram weights
large cylinder large cube
____ metal ____ metal
____ wood ____ wood
____ clear ____ clear
____ white ____ white large ball small cube
____ wood ____ metal
____ clear ____ wood
____ glass ____ clear
small cylinder
____metal
____ wood
____ white
____ clear
2. Make predictions on whether or not you think each item will sink or float. In the predictions column on the record sheet, please write an F if you think the item will float or an S if you think the item will sink.
3. Weigh each item using the balance scale and gram weights. Don’t forget to include the unit of measurement when you are recording your data.
4. Gently place each item in the water, one at a time, and record your data. Place a check mark in either the Sink of Float column.
5. Check to see if your predictions were correct.
6. Does the weight of the item make a difference as to whether it sinks or floats? If yes, why? If not, why not? Think about to previous science lessons to help you!
______
7. CHALLENGE:
Construct a boat out of foil. Add gram weights to the boat until it sinks. See if you can beat my weight!
My boat was able to hold ______.
Why do you think that your boat was able to hold so much weight in comparison to the items that you just tested?
______
8. Gently empty the container with water in the sink. Dry all of the items with paper towels and return them to the container. Please make sure you station is cleaned up!
Name: ______Date: ______
Sink or Float?
Record Sheet
Item / Prediction / Weight / Sink / FloatLarge metal cylinder
Large wood cylinder
Large clear cylinder
Large white cylinder
Large metal cube
Large wood cube
Large clear cube
Large white cube
Large wood ball
Large glass ball
Large clear ball
Small metal cube
Small wood cube
Small clear cube
Small metal cylinder
Small wood cylinder
Small white cylinder
Small clear cylinder