Titanic: Physical & Chemical Changes

What caused the Titanic to sink?

Course

Science+

Subjects

Science

Grade Levels

Duration (hours)

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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

Lessons

Focus Question: What caused the Titanic to sink?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Discovery 4: What design flaws occurred?

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

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

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.

Engineering Design Project: Cargo Ship

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.