Lesson Summary
Before beginning lesson, students set up science notebooks, and discuss the importance of accurate note taking and diagrams. This is a good time to set up a rubric for science notebooks.
In this first lesson, students are asked to observe and speculate about the behavior of an acrylic object that floats in salt water and sinks in fresh water. This activity is valuable as a pre-unit assessment because it provides an opportunity for the teacher to hear some of the ideas that students already have about floating and sinking.
Teacher Background
No single variable determines whether a particular object floats or sinks. Several variables, however, contribute to whether an object floats or sinks. These include the objects size, weight, design, as well as the density of liquid it is placed in.
For a rich experience, allow students the opportunity to discuss their observations, explore their pre-conceptions, and make predictions based on this first lesson.
Set-up/Management Tips
- At least 30 minutes before the lesson, be sure to mix the kosher salt and water. It takes quite a while for the salt to dissolve.
- Set up multiple testing stations.
Literacy Support
Scientific Vocabulary
The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit:
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