Cartesian Diver

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In this demonstration, learners observe the effects of density and pressure. A "diver" constructed out of a piece of straw and Blu-Tack will bob inside a bottle filled with water. This highly visual demonstration works best when learners can try moving the diver up and down themselves. This activity can also be related to how animals, like whales, dive in deep waters. This activity guide includes a helpful video that demonstrates each step of the demonstration.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
Under 5 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • large plastic bottle (~2L) with lid, filled with water
  • glass filled with water (for testing the ‘diver’)
  • straw
  • Blu-Tack
  • scissors

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Animals

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Institute of Physics,