Sink or Float? Engineering Solutions for a Sticky Situation

Why do some objects float while others sink? Students make sense of this phenomenon by engaging in the science and engineering practices of asking questions and defining problems, using models, and designing solutions. Students then apply what they discover to solve everyday situations, such as preventing a car from sinking. In this activity, students build a road out of Jell-O that is sturdy enough to drive a toy car across without getting sinking. Using the full engineering design process, students research and choose available ingredients that will support their car. After research, students investigate which ingredients will help make their Jell-O as strong as possible to protect their car from sinking in the “mud”. They test their prototype to see if the toy car will be able to drive across the Jell-O without sinking. The teams evaluate the process, improve the design, and recreate if needed. Students discuss their design, data, and final results in front of the class.

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music - Bicycle Reunited