How can you determine the maximum speed of a sailboat? A sailing presentation included with a straightforward lesson plan prompts learners to calculate the maximum speed of a sailboat with a displacement hull. The presentation continues with a brief description of buoyancy. 

Concepts

sailing, buoyancy, speed, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the supplemental resources as extension activities
• Research activities dealing with stability and buoyancy in order to provide the class practice for building a stable hull

Classroom Considerations

• Depending upon the grade level, pupils may not know how to take square roots yet
• The fifth lesson in a seven-part series

Pros

• The presentation allows the class to practice calculating hull speed

Cons

• The link for Education.com Archimedes Principle does not work