Chapter 16: Scientific Modeling in a Virtual Setting: Floating and Sinking Pennies!

Density is a concept vital to all aspects of science and engineering. This lesson provides the middle grades learner with a project-based opportunity to examine how mass and volume relate to the density of an object. Through a series of demonstrations, videos, and simulations, the concept of density is brought to life: Students can “see” the relationships of mass, volume, and density. Students can “experience” density through simulations. Students can “illustrate” their understanding through a scientific model. These methods are multi-dimensional and multi-modal ways that students can “learn” a difficult yet important science concept such as density. The unit culminates in an inquiry-based, scientific modeling activity where students apply their knowledge of mass and volume to create a penny floater. This lesson, which has been taught online both synchronously and asynchronously, challenges students to think critically.