1. Ship Shape –density lesson 7 th grade Science. ENGAGE: THE SONG “ANCHORS AWAY” IS PLAYING AS STUDENTS ENTER THE ROOM PROBE: “FLOATING “ – CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER AND EXPLAIN THEIR THINKING. DESCRIBE THE RULE OR REASONING YOU USED FOR YOUR ANSWER. DISCUSS THE ANSWERS AND EXPLAIN WHAT THE STUDENTS CHOSE TO THE PROBE QUESTION. HAVE STUDENTS DECIDE UPON AN OPERATIONAL DEFINITION FOR “BEST” FOR THE ESSENTIAL QUESTION, WHAT BOAT DESIGN IS “BEST” FOR CARRYING THE MAXIMUM CARGO LOAD?

2. Explore: Cut a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil 13 cm x 15 cm Prepare a data table. 1. Shape the boat so that it can hold cargo (pennies) 2. Place the boat in the bowl of water. Begin adding pennies for the boat’s cargo 3. Record how much cargo the boat will hold before it sinks 4. Compare results with other groups

3. Explain: Questions Is distribution of the cargo a factor? Explain your answer. Why does an aircraft carrier float, but a penny will sink? Does the density of water have anything to do with floating? What problem(s) might result from having a boat with low sides? High sides?

4. Extend/Expand: Student will design and sketch their own boats to answer the question: What is the” best” design to hold the greatest amount of cargo using one piece of heavy duty aluminum foil? Teacher control – the original size of foil (suggested size is 10 cm x 10 cm) given to each group is uniform. The students may adjust size. Repeat above testing (see explore)

5. Evaluate: Group presentations of results. Include in group presentation when this information would be applicable to real life. Compare final data which should include: volume, surface area, mass of cargo. As per the operational definition what is the “best”? Revisit the beginning probe. Discuss any revisions to their previous ideas related to density.