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This Buoyancy Boats lesson plan also includes:
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What did the sea say to the boat? Nothing, it just waved. An inquiry-based activity starts with a simple concept on the Archimedes Principle and challenges pupils to make something out of clay that floats. Then, they design an object out of clay that supports the most weight. The final project instructs pupils to work in groups of two to build a cardboard boat in which they will ride. The farther the boat makes it before sinking, the better the grade!
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NGSS:
Adaptable
Concepts
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
- Challenge learners to create a two-person boat out of empty plastic bottles and test if it works better than the cardboard boat
Classroom Considerations
- Suggested cost is $35 per person
- Requries a large pool or lake to conduct the experiment
- Everyone should wear life vests during the final project
Pros
- The lesson follows a 5E format
- Highly engaging activities
- Includes class discussion topics
- Provides a suggested grading scale
Cons
- None