Aim: To explain why some objects float and some sink, and to build various experiments involving buoyancy and density.
Understanding Buoyancy
Objects that float vs. Sink: Examples include rocks, wood, water bottles, carrots, waffles, and screwdrivers.
Materials of Boats: Boats are typically made out of metal, an object that sinks unless shaped properly (e.g., tin foil). Shaping metal into boat hulls allows them to float.
DIY Tin Foil Boat Experiment
Materials
Tin foil, cut into same-size pieces
Procedure
Fold different shapes of boats out of tin foil.
Test which shapes can hold the most weight before sinking.
Maxing Out the Experiment
Visit to an indoor pool to build a giant tin foil boat
Discussion with Lucia from Let's Talk Science on appropriate materials and shape
Learning the importance of structure and support
Concepts of Mass, Volume, and Density
Volume: How much space an object takes up.
Mass: How heavy an object is.
Density: How mass and volume work together to determine buoyancy.
Experiment: Salt Water vs. Fresh Water
Density variances make it easier to float in salt water compared to fresh water.
Layering different densities of liquids using food coloring and sugar.
Advanced Tin Foil Boat Design
Issues and Solutions
Initial boats were too thin and lacked proper support structures.
Added broomsticks, cardboard bases, and structural supports for stability.
Final design tested successfully in a pool.
Diaper Absorption Experiment
Extraction of super absorbent gel from diapers, showcasing its water absorption abilities.
Scaling the experiment with large quantities of gel and water.
Magnetic Levitation
Basic Concepts
Magnetic Properties: Magnets have North and South poles; opposites attract, likes repel.
Simple Experiments: Levitating magnets using repelling forces, including floating coins and pencils using poles.
Maxing Out the Experiment
Interaction with Matt from Job Master Magnets to attempt levitating a person using strong magnets.
Challenges and solutions involving stabilizing levitation with ring magnets.
Applications of Ferromagnetic Materials
Demonstration of ferromagnetic properties using household items and sculptures made of magnets.
Copper pipe experiment to illustrate magnetic field interactions.
Air-Powered Rockets
Basic Rocket Build
Materials: Bottle, cork, air pump with a PIN, water.
Step-by-step assembly and safe launch outdoors.
Maxing Out the Experiment
Transition to using an air compressor for more power.
Testing different bottle sizes and optimizing shape and water content for better performance.
Exploration of gas pressure, volume, and bottle strength.