Mass, Shape, and Floating
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can predict and explain how changes in mass and shape affect an object's buoyancy.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Professor Dave Explains · 4:16Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by Professor Dave Explains on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
A fluid is any substance that can flow and alter its shape because its particles can move around.
- 2
Archimedes' principle states that an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid that is displaced.
- 3
A floating object displaces fluid based on its mass, while a sinking object displaces fluid based on its volume.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
12 questions
Define a fluid and provide two examples.
What is buoyancy?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain how changing the shape of a steel block (without changing its mass) can affect whether it floats or sinks in water. Use Archimedes' principle in your explanation.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson