Titanic: Physical & Chemical Changes

Titanic: Physical & Chemical Changes

What caused the Titanic to sink?

Rating
Average: 4.5 (4 votes)
Science+_Titanic
Course
Course
Science+
Subjects
Subjects
Science
Grade Levels
Grade Levels
5
Duration (hours)
Duration (Approx hours)
25
Overview
Students will explore the physical and chemical changes that took place aboard the Titanic and how some of these changes impacted the ship sinking. Students will also look at mystery items that could have come from the ship and determine what the item is made out of by looking at its properties.
Standards
5-PS1-1
5-PS1-2
5-PS1-3
5-PS1-4
3-5 ETS1-3
Section Title
Lessons
Accordion Items
Title
Focus Question: What caused the Titanic to sink?
Content

Guide students in developing a class focus question about the phenomenon. What caused the Titanic to sink?

Title
Discovery 1: What was the environment like the night the Titanic sank?
Content

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.

Title
Discovery 2: How did the massive boat float to begin with?
Content

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.

Title
Discovery 3: What materials were used to make the Titanic?
Content

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.

Title
Discovery 4: What design flaws occurred?
Content

Students will use authentic illustrations to understand how ships are designed in real life.

Title
Discovery 5: How did chemical changes play a part in the tragedy?
Content

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.

Title
Engineering Design Project: Cargo Ship
Content

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.