Submitted By MonicaCamacho,  mac939@umkc.edu

Timestamp: 10/19/2005 4:33:54 PM

 Missouri Grade Level Expectations addressed by Lesson. Strand 1 Properties and Principles of Matter and Energy 1.1.A Objects, and the material they are made of, have properties that can be used to describe and classify them
Described the concept being  addressed. Knowledge Objective: Students will know that some objects float and other objects do not float, but sink. Performance Objective: Students will predict which sphere will float, carry out an experiment, and record data of their findings.

Described the activities to teach the concept (exploration). I will ask the students a question, "Which of these spheres would float?" I will have a variety of spheres out on the table each of different sizes and textures. Which of these spheres will sink? Which of these items will sink sink and float?" The students will be put in groups with each group having a treasure box containing different types of spheres. They will also have clear containers filled half full with water. The students will first make predictions of which sphere will float, sink, or both by recording their predictions on a prediction chart. Then, the students will test which sphere will sink, float, or both by dropping a sphere into a clear container and watch what will happen to the sphere. The students will record their results on a data chart marking with an 'X' next to the words marked 'sink', 'float', or 'both'. There would be space for students to draw a picture of what happened to the sphere. Then, the students will count the total of spheres that sank, float, or both.

Described the data which would collected during the activities (exploration).  After observing the spheres in the clear filled water container, the students will record their results on a data chart marking with an 'X' next to the words marked 'sink', 'float', or 'both'. There would be space for students to draw a picture of what happened to the sphere. Then, the students will count the total of spheres that sank, float, or both. The students will be asked, "What can you tell about the Sphere?" What do they have in common? What can you say about their weight, substance, and make that can make the sphere sink, float, or do both. I will tell the students that a sphere is a set of points in three-dimensional space equal in distance around the center of the sphere. I will explain why each sphere did what it did because of its weight, substance, make, and density. Spheres that are metal will generally sink no matter of the size. Spheres that are marble will sink to the bottom as well because of its weight. Some spheres are lightweight and can float. Wood spheres can be able to float because they can absorb water.

Explained how the data could be used to derive the concept (concept introduction) Students will understand that objects can float, sink, or both because of the density of the object. They were able to record their findings by observing the action that took place with the sphere in water. Students were able to draw out a picture of what float and sink looked like.                             
Described an activity (different than above) which could be used to apply the concept (application). Students can grab different objects around the house that are not spheres. They can test them in water or they can test the density of the water by adding oil into the mixture to see what will happen to the objects. If the objects would to a different reaction.
Material List for a class of 24. 1.spheres 2.water 3.clear containers 4.data charts
Described the history of the concept (i.e., historical figure, events). I will tell the students that a sphere is a set of points in three-dimensional space equal in distance around the center of the sphere. I will explain why each sphere did what it did because of its weight, substance, make, and density. Spheres that are metal will generally sink no matter of the size. Spheres that are marble will sink to the bottom as well because of its weight. Some spheres are lightweight and can float. Wood spheres can be able to float because they can absorb water.

 
Provide related websites (the entire URL). http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?BenchmarkID=4&DocID=164 http://courses.dsu.edu/eled320-360/Fall2001units/Fall%202001/Bunkers/density%20less... http://www.cedu.niu.edu/scied/student/lessonplans/team_2/fall_98/besch_fall.htm

Reference 1 (one reference is required)

  Hawley.D., (2002).  Building Conceptual Understanding in Young Scientists.  Journal of Geoscience Education,  50, 363-371