Can a boat the size of a palace possibly float? Discover how a king and a famous Ancient Greek mathematician named Archimedes answered this question, and explore the history behind Archimedes' principle and how a law of physics that is fundamental to fluid mechanics could have originated in a simple bathtub of water.

Concepts

ancient greece, archimedes' principle, engineering design, engineers, greek culture, buoyancy, buoyant force, archimedes

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• The segment of the video explaining the grand plans that were in store for the vessel actually reveals several important aspects of Ancient Greek society. Explore each of the features, such as the construction of a gymnasium or towers built on statues of Apollo, and how they represent Ancient Greek beliefs and practices

Classroom Considerations

• If assigning this video as a flipped learning resource, consider customizing the assessment questions or additional resources provided in the Think and Dig Deeper options of the TedEd website

Pros

• Engaging graphics and animations
• Several valuable informatonal points and historical context included

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.6.5 SL.7.5 SL.8.5 SL.9-10.5 RH.6-8.7 RH.9-10.7