Experiencing buoyancy forces
Classroom Activity
for 11-14
What the Activity is for
Floating balloons.
The purpose of this activity is to give pupils first hand experience of a buoyancy force and to encourage them to talk about their experiences and make links to their previous work on the directions of forces.
What to Prepare
- Some party balloons
- A bowl of water or water in a sink – or outside
What Happens During this Activity
Invite pupils to float the inflated balloon on the water, then to gently push the balloon into the water. The volume of the balloon is such that a considerable force upwards will be experienced by the pupils. This is such a simple exploration, yet one that few pupils will have experienced first hand.
