Floating Paper clips-(Dennis Yong)

Author

Dennis Yong

Principle(s) Illustrated

• Surface tension of the water allows for paper clips (higher density than water) to float

Standards

• PS2.B: Types of Interactions

  • Attraction and repulsion between electric charges at the atomic scale explain the structure, properties, and transformations of matter, as well as the contact forces between material objects.(secondary to HS-PS1-3)

Questioning Script

Prior knowledge & experience:

Paper clips are denser than water. Cohesion force between water molecules allows for paper clips to float.

Root question:

What would happen if a paper clip is dropped into the water?

Target response:

If dropped gently, it can float.

Common Misconceptions:

Paper clips will always sink.

Photographs and Movies