Titanic: Physical & Chemical Changes
What caused the Titanic to sink?
Guide students in developing a class focus question about the phenomenon. What caused the Titanic to sink?
The focus of this discovery is for students to develop a concrete understanding of matter. During a chemical change or a physical change, the amount of matter that exists does not change. We call this conservation of matter.
Students will develop only a basic understanding of how the Titanic was able to float. Students will draw a model and explain it with evidence from their research.
Students will use mystery items to learn how to make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties. Students will determine and record the color, weight, if the item is reflective or magnetic, if the item conducts electricity or heat, and solubility. Students will also develop an investigation plan for the last mystery item.
Students will use authentic illustrations to understand how ships are designed in real life.
Students learn how to tell the difference between chemical and physical changes when two or more substances are mixed together. Students will explore various chemical and physical changed that occurred aboard the Titanic.
Students will plan and carry out their design ideas on a prototype that can be improved. Scenario: Your team has been hired by a boat manufacturer to help make their ships more efficient and able to carry more cargo.