Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Mn Step: Sinking and Floating Water

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
An experiment in density where colored water, both hot and cold, are poured into containers of water at room temperature. Young scholars will observe that the warm water rises and the cold water sinks due to their different densities.
Activity
Science is Fun

Science Is Fun: Sinking and Floating Soda Cans

For Students 4th - 6th
An experiment to determine if either a regular or a diet can of soda will float or sink when placed in water, and what causes this.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Mn Step: Sink or Float: All Liquids Do Not Have the Same Density

For Teachers K - 1st
An experiment in density. After a review of floating and sinking of different materials, students test four bottles, all holding four ounces of water, to see if they will float or sink. They each contain a different density of sugar...
Activity
Science is Fun

Science Is Fun: Bowling Balls Float or Sink?

For Students 6th - 8th
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.
Activity
Science is Fun

Fun Science: Sinking and Floating Soda Cans

For Students 9th - 10th
Why do some pop cans float in water while others don't? This easy experiment is a great example of the principle of density.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Mn Step: Sinking Water: Glaciers, Ocean Currents and Weather Patterns

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
A lesson where students learn how warm water is less dense than cold water, and what this means for global climate change as ice from the polar regions melts. Students will do experiments in buoyancy and water density when hot or cold,...
Activity
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Submarine Race Experiment

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Balance the force of gravity with the force of the expanding gasses created by mixing baking soda and vinegar. Create a soda bottle submarine that sinks to the bottom of the bathtub and then rises back to the surface.
Lesson Plan
National Association of Geoscience Teachers

Nagt: Density Mystery Canisters

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students experiment with items that sink or float, and learn that water's density is equal to one, and objects/solutions with a density greater than one will sink, and those with a density less than one will float.
Lesson Plan
Michigan Reach Out

University of Michigan: Paper Clip Sailing

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Basic experiment that helps young scholars learn about surface tension.
Activity
Science is Fun

Science Is Fun: Dancing Raisins

For Students 4th - 8th
An experiment in buoyancy which involves making raisins float by using carbonated soda pop. Students then try the same test with other materials. Instructions for making one's own carbonated liquid are also provided.
Activity
Science is Fun

Science Is Fun: The Cartesian Diver

For Students 3rd - 5th
A simple experiment in buoyancy where you discover how to make a packet of sauce or candy float or sink at will, and why you are able to do this.
Interactive
Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education, Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens Institute of Technology: Buoyancy Simulation

For Students 9th - 10th
By choosing the mass, size, and time, students can experiment with whether the block floats or sinks in this simulation. Students have the option to display the forces and add a second block to the tank. Density is also shown to allow...
Interactive
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Balloons & Buoyancy

For Students 9th - 10th
Experiment with a helium balloon, a hot air balloon, or a rigid sphere filled with different gases. Discover what makes some balloons float and others sink.
Interactive
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Balloons & Buoyancy

For Students 9th - 10th
Students studying buoyancy will better understand its concepts with this virtual experiment using various balloons and testing what makes them float or sink.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Investigating Buoyancy, Density, and Fluid Principles: Make Mini Submarine

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lab, students will use the scientific method to design an experiment that explains how/why a submarine floats and sinks.