SHS2 General Science · Semester 2 Week 5: Forces Acting on Substances and Mechanisms

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.3.2.LI.1 - Discuss the relationship between upthrust and the law of floatation.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define upthrust as the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object immersed in it, and state its direction and cause.
State Archimedes’ principle and the law of floatation in their own words.
Explain the relationship between upthrust and the law of floatation, specifically that an object floats when the upthrust equals its weight.
Demonstrate through experiments that the loss in weight of an object in a fluid equals the weight of the fluid displaced.
Apply the law of floatation to explain why ships made of steel float while a solid steel nail sinks, using a practical demonstration.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Vigour Behind Life (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Forces Acting on Substances and Mechanisms (3.2)
Content standard: 2.3.2.CS.1 - Recognise the various types of motions, their applications and the forms of forces which act on the body. 2.3.2.LO.1 Explain and apply the concept of upthrust and the law of floatation in real life.
Indicator: 2.3.2.LI.1 - Discuss the relationship between upthrust and the law of floatation.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 5 (Week 25 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 77

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- Using diamond nine, learners explain the concept of upthrust and the Law of Floatation.
- Using project-based approach, learners design and make prototype ships, canoes, and other objects which operate based on the Law of Floatation.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- 1. Beakers, water, simulations, videos. 2. Measuring cylinders, beakers, water and irregular objects.
Assessment (2.3.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.
that use the principle of flotation