What makes a better boat?
Using only a little foil and a lot of collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, the 4th graders are exploring the concepts of buoyancy and surface area.
After the student's understood the challenge, they individually started to IMAGINE possible shapes for their ships. Using paper and tape, the students were challenged to create many different ships using different shapes and sizes. I asked them to think about the factors that help real ships float, not only supporting it's own weight, but also the weight of any people and/or cargo that is on it.
After this, partners were ready to communicate and collaborate. Each partner shared his or her paper models with the other. They then thought of a way to combine their ideas or decided to try one partner's idea first. Once a PLAN was in place, groups were able to measure out their 12x18 inch piece of foil and 24 inches of transparent tape.
Time to CREATE. Using their plan, the pairs began to construct their boats. After this they would collect some data on their boats, name them, and trace the bottom of them (for a discussion on surface area later).
We're not done yet! There are still more tests and improvements to come! I can't wait to see what the 4thies come up with.
Analyzing the data
After testing, we group placed an outline of the bottom of their ships on the board. These were placed in order from the most mass held before sinking to the least. The results were clear. The ships that had the greatest surface area were the most successful. We discussed why this was, as well as Archimedes principle, and how real ships are made to be buoyant.
time for improvements
The 4th graders discovered that with ships, bigger is better! With this new knowledge, each group was challenged to design and build a new boat that will hold more mass than their first. Each and every pair in both classes met the challenge! I actually had to get 12 more dollars in pennies because the ships were doing so well. Of course each group wanted to be the one to set the record for holding the most pennies, however, these kids were so encouraging and supportive of each other. They cheered each other on and were right there beside their friends celebrating as their ships performed so well after improvements were made. Way to go 4th graders!