SAMPLE: History Science

Science 9 Project

Density

Background: the canoe, perhaps more than other types of transportation, is closely connected with the exploration and development of Canada. Like any water craft, it stays afloat as long as its density is less than the water supporting it.

Process:

1. Create an original 150 word summary of the history of the canoe. Include its use by First Nations

peoples and later by explorers and fur traders. Information can be found on the Internet, in encyclopedias

and in reference texts.

2. a) Turn a 15 cm by 15 cm square of tin foil into a boat. Perhaps set a beaker on the center and fold up

the sides. For stability, the sides should be low and the bottom wide. Find the boat's mass.

b) Now, calculate the volume of your boat. Recall v = l w h

c) Measure or estimate how far down into the water the empty boat sits.

d) Then, find out how much cargo, i.e., coins, it can carry before it sinks. Use one type of coin and

record the number. Find the mass of the cargo.

3. Find the density of the empty boat. Recall = m/v. Find the combined mass of the boat and its cargo

when it sank. Finally, find the density of the boat when it sank.

4. Find the mass of 100 ml, 200 ml and 300 ml of water. Now, find the density of water.

5. a) Calculate the volume of a solid wood block. Now record its mass. Finally, calculate its density.

b) Now, go through these same three steps for a wooden box.

6. Explain if either of both of these wooden shapes would float.

7. a) Why did the metal foil boat float?

b) Why did it sink?