In this experiment, you test whether two different bowling balls will float or sink, then determine the density of each of the balls to see if they are less than that of water.

Each student uses a small quantity of modeling clay to make a boat that will float in a tub of water. The object is to build a boat that will hold as much weight as possible without sinking. In the process of designing and testing their...

Investigate density by floating an ice cube on the surface of cooking oil and observe what happens as it melts.

This is a good source of basic information about density currents in water. It includes simple activities you can do to demonstrate these currents.

For a dramatic illustration of density check out this demonstration. It's simple to do, only requiring a bowling ball and some water.

Why do some pop cans float in water while others don't? This easy experiment is a great example of the principle of density.

This lesson plan is a great way to show convection currents in water. Students will see what happens to water as it gets warmed.

NOVA explores the basic principle of buoyancy. Also included at this site are some interesting brain-teasers related to the topic.

You are in a submarine and need to fix the currents to take you where you want to go. You want to get the key to the treasure chest full of gold!

Focus is on the hydrosphere and contains the definition as well as characteristics of the ocean and the effect of the ocean on climate.

By the end of this section, you will be able to explain the relationship between vapor pressure of water and the capacity of air to hold water vapor, explain the relationship between relative humidity and partial pressure of water vapor...

An overview of scientist Henry Cavendish's accomplishments. Discusses his achievements, primarily his work with quantitative measurements.

What causes the circulation of ocean waters that are too deep to be affected by wind? Find out how salinity and temperature drive the deep sea currents. This resource has several videos and an online quiz.

In this activity, the students will discover the relationship between an object's mass and the amount of space it takes up (its volume). The students will learn about the concept of displacement and how an object can float if it...

Read to find out about the first boat builders. Construct your own boat out of common materials to explore buoyancy.

Ocean currents have a profound effect on the climates of the continents, especially those regions bordering on the ocean. The Gulf Stream makes northwest Europe much more temperate than any other region at the same latitude, and the...

Hunkin's Experiments is a group of simple cartoon illustrations of scientific principles. Some would work well in the classroom, but others have little value beyond entertaining students. All of the projects are easy to do. This one...

[Free Registration/Login Required] Students will be able to change the mass and volume of an item and observe if it floats, sinks, or remains at a certain depth in the water. Students will also be able to change the liquid in level 2.

In this Physics lab, students learn about Archimedes' Principle. An object is submerged in water and vegetable oil and the buoyant force and height are measured at different levels. The slope of the graph Buoyant Force vs. Height is the...

This lesson focuses on predicting chemical reactions using The Group 1 elements in the Periodic Table are known as the alkali metals. They include lithium, sodium and potassium, which all react vigorously with air and water. It provides...

Learn how fluids move through our atmosphere and water. This experiment explains atmospheric convection currents (thunderstorms), the Gulf Stream, and temperature inversion. A video is included.

This activity helps students understand how the melting of ice cubes floating in water is influenced by the salinity of the water. It will introduce the concept of density and density driven currents and provide practice in using the...

Students map the patterns of the major ocean currents, and learn about the influences of wind, water temperature, landmasses, and water density on currents.

By making oil float on water--with the help of other ingredients--students can create a lava-lite effect.