Floating and Sinking (5th grade)

In this unit, students investigate the phenomenon of buoyancy. They begin by making a spring scale with which they weigh various objects. They make clay boats, test their boats' buoyancy, and discover that altering the shape of the boats affects buoyancy. Students are then challenged to design a boat that has a certain loading capacity. These experiments allow them to witness several surprising phenomena; for example, some "floaters" are heavier than some "sinkers," and large objects are not always heavier than smaller objects. Students then turn their attention to differences between objects placed in fresh water and in salt water. They construct a hydrometer that compares the levels at which objects float in both types of water.

Additional Photos

Parent Letter - English

Parent Letter - Spanish

Floating & Sinking Storyline (pdf)

Literacy / Book Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

Recommended Websites

Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsor the Floating and Sinking unit! Please contact Lori Kaufman, development director, about this and other sponsorship opportunities. You can reach her at 920-884-8800 or lori@einsteinproject.org.

What are people saying about the Floating and Sinking Einstein science unit?

"The readers make the kit even better."
--W. Draves, Grade 5 teacher at Westwood Elementary School, De Pere, Wisconsin

"We like the new books! Thanks!"
--K.Butch, Grade 5 teacher at Rock Ledge Elementary School, Seymour, Wisconsin