Learning+Experience+6

Session 1
Learning Targets:


 * I can identify reasons that some objects sink and some objects float in water.
 * I can collect data about which objects sink and which objects float in water.

Materials:
 * fruits (a variety)
 * clear containers of water for each group
 * classroom materials to test for sinking and floating
 * tray for materials to go on
 * a balance to compare weights
 * recording sheets
 * sink / float / not sure sorting sheet

= = =Session 2= Learning Targets:
 * 1) Look at learning targets so far and check on progress.
 * 2) Review what happened with different liquids in water. Talk about how some liquids stay on top (oil) and others sink (corn syrup) in water.
 * 3) Tell them that like liquids, some solid objects sink in water and some float. Brainstorm things they know that sink or float. When they are done brainstorming, show them the fruit, and say we are going to find out which fruits float and which fruits sink.
 * 4) For each fruit, ask them to predict what will happen and why they think that. After you put the fruit in the tank of water, ask if anyone is surprised. Why do you think the fruit acted the way it did?
 * 5) If weight comes up, show them a balance and tell them they can compare weights using a balance.
 * 6) Go over rules / expectations for liquids and sinking and floating.
 * 7) Each group gets a tray of objects to test. First, they sort them into 3 piles: things that will sink, things that will float, things we aren't sure about. They need to make a list of their groups on Science Notebook Page A.
 * 8) The groups take turns putting an object into the water to see what it does. They record the results on Science Notebook Page B.


 * I can identify reasons that some objects sink and some objects float in water.
 * I can collect data about which objects sink and which objects float in water.

Materials:


 * clear containers of water for each group
 * for each group: a steel ball, a marble, a metal jack, cork, rubber ball, wooden cube, plastic chip, cork ball, other interesting materials
 * tray for materials to go on
 * a balance to compare weights
 * sink / float / not sure sorting sheet
 * recording sheets


 * 1) The procedure is the same as Session 1. Students sort the objects to reflect their predictions, draw and write their predictions, then test their predictions. Alternately, have students give an idea about sinking and floating (like, "light things float") and then go test it. Can you find a light thing that sinks? They make a hypothesis, write it down, and choose materials they will use to test it.
 * 2) Circulate and ask questions about why they think things are sinking and floating.
 * 3) Students write what happened on Student Sheet B.
 * 4) Sharing from this investigation will happen at the beginning of Investigation 7.