How Do Ships Float?

In this episode of Things Explained, we discuss how a tiny paper clip sinks in water but a cargo ship weighing 250,000 tons floats. We also explain what density, buoyancy, and a man named Archimedes have to do with this science phenomenon.

Standards

How Do Ships Float?

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How Do Ships Float?

Mathematics

MGSE5.MD.3

Recognize volume as an attribute of solid figures and understand concepts of volume measurement.

MGSE7.G.6

Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume and surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms.

MGSE8.G.9

Apply the formulas for the volume of cones, cylinders, and spheres and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

Science

S4P3.b

Construct an argument to support the claim that gravitational force affects the motion of an object.

S8P1.c

Plan and carry out investigations to compare and contrast chemical (i.e., reactivity, combustibility) and physical (i.e., density, melting point, boiling point) properties of matter.

Things Explained Segments

Things Explained

Ever wonder how a giant ship can float or how buildings are demolished in the middle of a city? We do too! Things Explained tackles all kinds of questions with short, easy-to-understand videos that include demonstrations and real-world examples right here in Georgia. Targeting elementary and middle school concepts, each video is aligned to GSE standards.