Name:___________________
Due Date:________________
Science 8 - Will it Float?
/16
SSA #2 - Complete simple experiments, record observations, and explain results
We know that density is mass divided by volume. In this experiment we are going to use objects of
different densities to discover how to predict whether something will float or not.
Materials
6 objects of different densities in small tray
1
triple-beam balance
1 ruler
1
500 mL beaker
1
pail of water
paper towels
Procedure
1. Measure and record the dimensions of the small cubes in centimetres and record in a chart.
2. Measure and record the mass of the small cubes in grams and record in a chart.
3. Calculate the volume (in cm3) of each cube.
V=LxWxH
4. Find the density of each of the cube. Show all work neatly and record in a chart.
Sample calculation: if volume = 1 cm3
mass = 0.75 grams
D = m/v = 0.75grams/1 cm3 = 0.75 grams/ cm3
5. Fill your beaker to about the 300 mL mark with water.
6. Place the first of the cubes into the water and observe if it floats or sinks. Record your
observation in a chart.
7. Remove the cube and dry it.
8. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each cube.
Observation table
Cube
Dimensions
Mass
Volume
Density
description
Float or sink in
water
Discussion Questions (on separate sheet)
1. What can be said about the density of the floating objects?
2. What can be said about the density of the sinking objects?
3. The density of water is 1 g/cm3. Use your answers from 1 and 2 to complete the following
sentence: An object will float on water if its density is __________________________ and will sink
in water if _________________________________________.
4. Which of the cubes you tested would float on alcohol (density = 0.79 g/cm3)?
5. Which of the cubes would float in Mercury? (density = 13.6 g/cm3)?
6. Metals are more dense than water. Why do metal boats float?
Science 8 SSA #2
Complete simple experiments, record observations, and explain results.
Powerful/effective
Capable/confident
4
3
All pre-lab activities are
Most pre-lab activities
complete and show an
are complete and show
excellent understanding of a good understanding of
the experiment.
the experiment.
Partial/developing
Limited/underdeveloped
2
0
Key pre-lab activities are
Pre-lab activities incomplete
complete and show at least and little or no evidence to
an understanding of the main show understanding.
objective of the experiment.
All observations are
recorded. Observations
are understandable and
accurate.
All major observations
recorded. Observations
are understandable and
accurate.
All major observations
Major observations missing.
recorded. Most observations Some observations are hard
are understandable and
to understand or incorrect.
accurate. Some small errors
may be present.
Explanation of Answers or discussion
results.
show an excellent
understanding of the
experiment.
Answers or discussion
show an understanding
of the experiment.
Some small errors.
Report is
correctly
organised.
N/A
Answers or discussion show
a basic understanding of the
main points of the
experiment. Some errors
present.
Report is complete. Small
problems with organization.
Criteria
Prepare to
carry out the
lab.
Recording
observations.
Report is complete and
correctly organised.
Total:
/16
P/I
Answers or discussion show
very little or no
understanding. Unfinished.
Report is not complete and/or
not organised correctly.
Unfinished.
Sc
Wt
X2
Tot