How Much Weight Can Aluminum Foil Boats Float?

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Here's how.

Active Time

45 minutes to 1 hour

Total Project Time

45 minutes to 1 hour

Key Concepts

boats, density, volume, floating

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7bopU_N_fQ

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how a ship made of steel can float? If you drop a steel bolt in a bucket of water, the bolt quickly sinks to the bottom. Then how can a steel ship float? And better yet, how can a steel ship carry a heavy load without sinking? It has to do with the density, or the mass per volume, of the ship (and its cargo) compared to the density of water. In this science activity, you will make little "boats" out of aluminum foil to explore how their size affects how much weight they carry and how this relates to the density of water.

Credits

Teisha Rowland, PhD, Science Buddies

This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.

Next: Materials

Materials

Aluminum foil
Ruler
Tape
Scrap piece of paper and pen or pencil
Rag or paper towels
Pennies. You may need as many as 200 pennies, depending on the size and shape of the boats you make.
Calculator
Optional: Dry rice and measuring cup
Bucket, tub, sink, or dishpan
Water