C

On February 3, both West Somerville classrooms began the two-part challenge of building Aquatic Vehicles. 

Students first reviewed the prinicpal of density and then examined the density of multiple objects. They key lesson was to show that objects with a greater density than that of water will sink, and objects with a smaller density than that  of water will float.

Using pieces of Styrofoam, assorted LEGO pieces, plastic bags, rubber bands, straws, and tape, students design an 'aquatic vehicle' that will float in water  and can be navigated by fan (or any wind source).

Next week, the students will test their 'Aquatic Vehicles' in a tub of water. They will watch the denisty of the vehicle change as they add weights to their design and make it sink.

Possible extensions include: students can not poke any holes or LEGOs into the styrofoam; reduce the number of LEGO pieces per group; have them hold more weight before sinking, etc.

Assessment of Part 1: Students seemed to grasp the idea of density effecting whether objects will float or not. They were a bit hung up on  having limited LEGO pieces to use rather than an entire kit, but it did challenged them.