Investigating buoyancy
| Grade | Work Samples |
|---|---|
| End of Stage 1 (end of Year 2) | |
| Grade C | Morgan Casey Jordan Chris Riley Lindsay Kerry |
| Grade D | Bailey |
Foundation Statement strands
The following strands are covered in this activity:
Investigating Scientifically, Designing and Making, The Made Environment
Description of activity
Students develop a design, using everyday materials, of a structure that will float on water.
Instructions:
- Students identify the design task and develop an idea to be investigated.
- Students make a prediction about which materials will sink or float.
- They select a variety of materials and tools from those provided.
- Students join and float the materials on water to test their prediction about the buoyancy of their design.
- They record the results and describe, where necessary, changes to the design.
Suggested materials
Variety of everyday, accessible materials eg paddle pop sticks, plastic containers, polystyrene foam, straws, toothpicks/skewers, pipe cleaners, plasticine, paper, cloth, cork, plastic, wire
Prior learning
This investigation of buoyancy is a part of a task on designing and making a boat which is a component of a Science and Technology unit of work integrated with learning in other KLAs. Students are investigating how people’s everyday needs can be met by making, shaping and joining materials. The focus of the unit is to provide students with opportunities to develop their understanding of the made environment through conducting first-hand experiences in investigating, designing and making and using technology. At the end of the unit the students will demonstrate the models of the structures that they have designed and made to float on water. Students have explored ways of joining and shaping materials. This activity assesses students' understanding and skills in independently implementing aspects of the investigating process by observing, predicting, testing and recording accurate results.
Outcomes
Products and Services (PS S1.5)
Grows, makes or processes some products using a range of techniques and materials.
Investigating (INV S1.7)
Conducts guided investigations by observing, questioning, predicting, collecting and recording data, and suggesting possible explanations.
Designing and Making (DM S1.8)
Develops, implements own design ideas in response to an investigation of needs and wants.
Using Technology (UTS 1.9)
Selects and uses a range of equipment, computer-based technology, materials and other resources to undertake an investigation or design task.
Criteria for assessing learning
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- Develop and record the design to be investigated.
- Select and use appropriate materials and tools.
- Test the materials to identify if they will float on water.
- Predict the results of the test.
- Conduct the test and record the results.
- Identify changes to improve the design.