Splash your way into STEM!

Boats come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and materials! Have you ever wondered how a large supertanker filled with oil can float?

Objects submerged in a fluid such as water appear to weigh less than they do when they are not in the water. The liquid exerts a buoyant force on the object. Archimedes is credited with discovering that the buoyant force on an object is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. He is said to have discovered this principle in his bath while trying to think of a way to determine whether the king’s new crown was gold or a fake. Legend says that he ran naked through the streets shouting, “Eureka!”

Archimedes Principle also applies to floating objects. An object floats on a liquid if its density is less than that of the fluid. For our supertanker to float it must displace a volume of water equal to its weight.

Use those Amazon, cereal, and pizza boxes you have laying around to build a boat that floats!

In 2022, we’re excited to partner with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma on this project as we work to provide rural students with STEM resources. Stay tuned for pictures!