Posted by Kristy Lundstrom, Head of Middle School on October 26, 2020

In Mr. Kleiman’s science class, students are asked to apply what they have learned. After a unit on mass and density, students tested their knowledge about buoyancy and surface area by making boats out of tin foil. The goal of the lab was to figure out why a large vessel had the ability to float on the water since heavy objects normally sink. Considering what they had learned about physics, students drafted an idea and discussed it with their peers and teacher. Then, they were asked to iterate and test, In fact, they tested a total of four times.

Students were so excited to share their creations - many small boats floating with many pennies. The record was 96 coins!

We would like to challenge other Middle School students to do this lab.  Maybe you can beat our best score?

Here are the details:

Materials: one 4 inch x 4 inch aluminum square, pennies, water tub

Directions:

1. Fold your piece of aluminum foil into a boat. Take your time and try to make it so it will hold a lot of weight.
2. Float it on the tub of water.
3. Place one penny in the boat.  Wait to see what happens. Then add pennies one by one until your boat starts taking on water.
4. Record the number of pennies for the first trial.
5. Make any adjustments you feel necessary and retry.
6. Record the number of pennies for the second trial.
7. After the boat takes on water make any final adjustments for the third trial and retry.
8. Record the number of pennies for the third trial.

When students are collaborating and being creative, they feel ownership of their own learning.  We see that this student agency propels engagement and builds resilience. This is one example of #LifeReady learning in our Middle School.