National curriculum content

Children engage in a different approach to their science in this topic. They use their science and link it to an historical event in context; the sinking of the Titanic. This topic is based around applying the working scientifically skills that they have learned so far in their science lessons, to explore some of the scientific concepts behind the Titanic e.g. floating and sinking. It can be used as a good opportunity to embed, assess and observe working scientifically skills, as well as laying foundations for transition to KS3 science.

Lesson objectives

1. Investigate why things float or sink.
2. Investigate how upthrust affects different objects in water.
3. Plan and create an account on the sinking of the Titanic.
4. Plan and create an account on the sinking of the Titanic.
5. Explain the impact that icebergs have on water.
6. Design and make an effective lifejacket.
7. Design and make an effective lifejacket.

What we want children to know

• The events that took place during the sinking of the Titanic.
• The dimensions of the Titanic in relation to the playground.
• How and why thigs float or sink.
• The impact of icebergs and water temperature.

What skills we want children to develop

• Measure larger scale objects with increased accuracy.
• Take temperature readings in water with an increased degree of accuracy.
• Understand what properties are needed for effective thermal insulators.
• Empathise with events from history.
• Predict how upthrust will effect different objects in water based on their properties.

Vocabulary

Buoyancy, density, float, floating, hypothermia, iceberg, sink, thermal insulator, Titanic, upthrust.