In this experiment, students observe ice cubes in water to understand the buoyancy of ice in water, how chunks of ice can impact water levels, and the density of ice compared to water.
In addition to the experiment, students will review related concepts, analyze the experiment's results, record their findings in a journal, and have a post-experiment discussion about icebergs.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This experiment can be completed in one class period.
The required materials for this experiment are relatively easy to find.
This experiment can fit within a larger unit on the distinct qualities of water and how these attributes manifest in the natural world.
To extend the experiment, teachers can encourage students to observe and record how melted ice impacts the containers' water level.
This experiment can support a classroom discussion on why icebergs are important for the environment.
This experiment can augment a classroom discussion on how melting icebergs impact global sea levels.
Scientist Notes
This resource is from the CLEAN collection. “The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness.”
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS2: Earth's Systems
2-ESS2-3 Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid.
PS1: Matter and its Interactions
5-PS1-3 Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Writing (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.4 With guidance and support from adults, produce writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task and purpose.
Common Core Math Standards (CCSS.MATH)
Measurement & Data (K-5)
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.4 Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.
