Sink or Float

As we continue our Pumpkin Unit, we have made many predictions as scientists. One of these predictions was whether or not our pumpkins would float if placed into a tub of water.
Students' predictions were charted in our classroom and later that day we took a trip to the Science Lab to test our thinking!

Yesterday was that big day! We went upstairs to the Science Lab to test our predictions and were amazed at the results! When we placed the big pumpkin in the water, it floated (this was the opposite of most our predictions). Next, we wanted to see what would happen with the small pumpkin and it didn't sink or float, it did both! We call that "flinking"! Then the students predicted that the pumpkin slice would sink and it did.

One of our extensions to this activity was to try an object that was not a pumpkin. The students chose a container. When the closed container was placed in the water, it floated. This was just like the big pumpkin! One of our students wanted to try it with the container open, so like good scientists we tested this theory and it sank.

All in all, our students were able to test and/or prove their predictions about pumpkins sinking and floating. A great scientific explanation for why pumpkins float is found by following the link below.
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen01/gen01166.htm

Also watch our Pumpkin Movie to see our Lab!