The document provides instructions for an activity where students record whether various objects sink or float in water. Students are given a list of objects to test and record their predictions and observations. They categorize the objects according to factors like material, weight and density that influence sinking and floating. Students then analyze the results, discussing which objects were most buoyant and how the material an object is made of affects whether it sinks or floats.

1. Recording Numerical Data by Rachel Koester Standard 4.2.4 Use numerical data to describe and compare objects and events. (Core Standard)

2. The object of this Indicator Project is to enhance your abilities to gather numerical data; as well as develop your understanding of comparing objects and events in numerical data. You will perform the “Sink It” activity which involves taking objects and recording whether the objects sink or float according to weight and material. Objectives

4. Key

5. Clothes pin

6. Spoon

7. Doll

8. Tweezers

9. Sink It-Data Table activity sheet.

10. Recording Data Tables.

12. Put the objects found in the plastic container into categories you feel best affects the objects sinking or floating (color, size, shape, material, etc.) Write down the name of each object on the “Sink It” Activity sheet. Weigh each object in grams and predict whether you think the objects will sink or float. Write down predictions on the activity sheet as and record the weight in the “Notes” column on activity sheet. http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/pdfs/sinkit_actsheet.pdf Pre-Activity

13. After you write down your predictions, take each item, place it in the bowl of water and record the results. Things to think about as you test: How much water is in the bowl for each item you test? How are you going to put the item in the bowl of water? Dropping it? If yes, then from how high? What is your definition of floating? Anything not on the bottom of the bowl? Or does it have to come to the water’s surface? Recording Data

14. After testing, reorganize your categories if needed according to results (such as weight, metal, plastic, glass, etc.) Record your final results in the “Recording Data” tables. Reorganize

15. Recording Data

16. Recording Data

17. Recording Data

18. Which items did you find to be the most “buoyant?” Did the materials each object is made of influence if the item floated or sank? Did the “density” cause the object to float or sink? Definitions: buoyant: having buoyancy, capable of floating Density:thequantity per unit volume, unit area, or unit length: as a: the mass of a substance per unit volume or sphere of. Discussion Questions

19. On a piece of paper, write down some of the similarities of each category you created, and write down some of the differences. Were there any objects that surprised you the most by sinking or floating? Were there any objects you knew would sink or swim before you tested the them? Reflect

20. Please write a brief paragraph about why you think a piece of wood floats: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Assessment Question

21. http://dc.doe.in.gov/Standards/AcademicStandards/StandardSearch.aspx http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.php?DocID=125 www.m-w.com Sources