Some students think that heavy objects sink and light object float regardless of shape and size

Properties of Matter

Misconception RESEARCH REVIEW

Diagnostic Resources

The following worksheets may help to identify whether students hold this particular misconception.

For more information, see the University of York BEST website.

References

The following studies have documented this misconception:

  • Besson, U., () Students' Conceptions of Fluids, International Journal of Science Education, 26 (14),

    1683-1714.

    Review sheet

  • Lee, Y. C. and Kwok P. W., () Transforming a traditional hands-on activity into an enquiry activity to foster more in-depth understanding of the concept of density, Physics Education, 45 (5),

    533-538.

    Review sheet

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