Floating and Sinking Focus questions 1. Do larger objects float better than small ones? 2. What makes some materials float better than others? Science background: An object that floats displaces equal weight of liquid it is in and its own weight. E.g. If an object has a (greater/lesser) density than the liquid it is in, then the object will (sink/float). E.g. Floating forces Materials: Bowl of water, a tissue paper, pencil, paper clips 1. Prediction: How many paper clips you can make float? Test: How many paper clips could float? 2. Now place a layer of tissue paper on the surface of the water. Prediction: How many paper clips can you make float? Test: How many paper clips could float? - Discuss your findings - Discuss any similarities and differences. 3. Test whether the following objects sink or float. OBJECTS PREDICT (F) or x (S) RESULT Pencil Toothpick Golf ball Tennis ball Ping-pong ball Aluminium foil (laid out flat) Aluminium foil (folded) Aluminium foil (rolled into a ball) Straw Blu tack Marbles Rubber bands Thread/string Foam cup 50g mass spatula Wood block - Discuss your findings and any similarities and differences.
