Source Institutions
Source Institutions
Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square250/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-447.gif?itok=Wd5vmxtv)
In this activity, learners explore how changes in fluid pressure affect the buoyancy of a Cartesian diver inside a plastic soda bottle. This guide includes instructions for building a diver out of an eyedropper or Bic Pen. In both instances, learners will observe as the diver floats, sinks, or hovers in response to pressure changes.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- An eyedropper
- A tall drinking glass
- Room-temperature water
- One 2-liter soda bottle with screw-on cap
- Thin, flat bottle (an empty dish washing liquid or shampoo bottle, for instance) (optional)
- A Bic™ ballpoint pen with transparent plastic body
- Pliers
- A small lump of modeling clay the size of a pea
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
-
States of Matter
- Liquids
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
- Volume and Density
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Toys
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, The Exploratorium,