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Science Y3/Y4 – Water – week 10

THE DISPLACEMENT OF WATER

Truth to Teach (Source)

To learn that when water is ‘pushed out’ of a container by an object, it is known as
displacement’.

To learn that the shape and density of an object affects displacement, floating and sinking.

To appreciate that if the amount of water displaced weighs more than the object, it will float
and vice versa.

Way to Work (Means)

1. By question and answer review the half term’s work.

2. Write the title ‘Displacement of Water’ on the board and ask if anyone knows anything

about it.

3. Put out two jars of water, marking the surface levels on the outside of the jars.
Place a small object/piece of plasticene in one jar and a large object/piece of plasticene
in the other. Mark the levels of water in each jar and discuss what has happened. Fill the
same jars to the brim and put the objects in again and discuss what happens. Talk about
the amount of water displaced from each jar depending on the shape and density of the
objects.

4. Show the children a picture of a large ship and ask who knows how the captain knows how
much cargo he can safely load on his boat. Show them what the Plimsoll line looks like
and how it serves the captain.

5. Let the children make plasticene boats which will float, then let them load as many
counters, paperclips, plastic coins or similar as they can before their boat sinks. Let them
mark on a Plimsoll line.

6. Let the children complete the first part of their worksheet before gathering back to learn
how submarines surface and dive by releasing water from tanks.

7. Let the children complete their written work.

Learning for Life (Fulfilment)

The children will have learnt about displacement of water and its relevance to our daily lives.

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