2. Purpose: To demonstrate your mastery of density by determining how much sand can be placed in a film canister and still allow the canister to float in water. You only get one chance, so calculate and measure carefully.

3. The challenge Using the supplies provided calculate the maximum amount of sand that can be added to the film canister and still allow it to float in water. You may weigh and measure any of the materials, but you may not attempt to float your canister before the challenge!

4. What can you use? Materials: Plastic film canister Sand scoop or spatula balance metric ruler string forceps container of water

5. Hints Zero your scale by turning the dial near the weighing plate. Make sure you account for the weight of the canister in some way (by including it in calculations or by removing it’s weight when weighing).

6. Determining the winners Ms. Lavelle will determine the mass of each canister and record the data. You will carefully lower the canister into the water using forceps. If the canister sinks, it is eliminated from the competition. The team with the heaviest floating film canister wins the competition, earning extra credit on the mini-lab!