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In this activity, learners explore the engineering behind life vests or personal flotation devices and the challenges met by these devices. Learners work in teams to design and build a flotation device out of everyday materials that can keep an unopened can of soup or vegetables afloat in a bucket of water or sink for a minute. They design their life vest, build and test it, evaluate their designs and those of other learners, and share observations with the group.
- Under 5 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Student Resource Sheets
- Student Worksheets
- Water source, bucket, or sink area
- Soup or vegetable cans
- Paper cups
- Straws
- Paper towels
- Rubber bands
- Paper clips
- Tape
- Balloons
- Plastic bags or lunch bags
- Glue
- Corks
- Foam pieces
- String
- Foil
- Hose or tubes
- Small containers
- Other items as needed
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
- Technology
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Gravity
- States of Matter
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
- Volume and Density
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Impacts of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
Technology and Society
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, IEEE,