Content Building Floating and Sinking

Learning Targets I can identify properties of an object that are useful for predicting and/or determining if that object will float or sink in water. I can distinguish between mass and weight. I can use measured values of solids and liquids to determine their density. I can distinguish characteristic from noncharacteristic properties.

Floating Logs A log was cut from a tree and put in water. The log floated on its side so that half the log was above the water surface. Another log was cut from the same tree. This log was twice as long and twice as wide. How does the larger log float compared with the smaller log? A—More than half of the larger log floats above the water surface B—Half of the larger log floats above the water surface. C—Less than half of the larger log floats above the water surface. Explain your thinking and describe the “rule” you used for your answer.

Floating and Sinking Work through the three different activities with your tablemates – I. Sorting, II. Balancing/determining weight, III. Dividing and calculating density Record your ideas, information, data in your notebook or on the activity handout. When you come to a “check,” prepare your response as a group, then raise your hand to “check your ideas with a facilitator.”

Predict-Explain-Observe#43 Complete the Solids and Holes probe—make sure you describe your thinking. In groups of 3-discuss your prediction. Using the materials provided, test your prediction. Based on your observations, modify your explanation as needed.