Primary 1 have been working hard in science to investigate buoyancy!

Last week, we discussed floating and sinking.  We then gathered up different objects and made predictions about whether we thought they would sink or float.  Next, we tested them in water to see if our predictions were right!  We had lots of fun testing things out and some of the results surprised us!

This week, we used our new found maths skills to sort our results from last week into a Venn diagram.  We then extended our investigations by designing and making our own boats!  We used two different materials – plasticine and tin foil – and experimented with different shapes.  We found that a large bottom – to spread the weight out over the water – and high sides – to stop the water leaking in – was the best shape.  We found that tin foil made a better boat than plasticine, though we had to make sure it had no holes in it or the water could get in.  We had a competition to see whose boat could hold the most marbles – there are still some boats to be tested but the current record is an astounding 80 marbles!!

Well done, P1 – fantastic scientists as always!