Sunken Ice Cubes (Yina Yang)

Author

Yina Yang

Principle(s) Illustrated

1. Density

Standards

• MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

• MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

Questioning Script

Prior knowledge & experience:

When ice is put into a solution, ice will float.

Root question:

Will ice always float in liquid?

Target response:

Depending on the density of the ice and the liquid, the ice may or may not sink. The density of the ice cube must be less than the density of the liquid in order for the ice cube to float. If the density of the ice cube is more than the density of the liquid, then the ice cube will sink.

Common Misconceptions:

Ice will always float in liquid.

Photographs and Movies

References

Reference 1 (A Collection of Discrepant Events - NSTA 1999)