Science, technology, and math come together in this one combination exercise. Analyzing the common soda can from both a purely mathematical perspective and a scientific angle allows for a surprisingly sophisticated comparison of necessary assumptions along with sources and magnitude of error. An easily customized activity that could provide a quick warm-up or a multi-class experiment, depending on the information and directions given to the class.

Concepts

density, archimedes' principle, surface area of cylinders, measurement

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

math

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Divide the class into two groups and lead each group to a different solution method. Follow the activity with a comparison and discussion of error
• Use different beverage containers and the Archimedes' principle method to estimate the manufacturing material from density

Classroom Considerations

• Last page is blank, if copying costs are a concern
• Learners familiar with Archimedes' Principle will have a definite advantage in the second solution method, unless the whole class is brought up to speed together

Pros

• Careful treatment of assumptions and lengthy discussion of sources of error
• Multiple solution methods outlined

Cons

• The story of Archimedes and the King's Crown is briefly mentioned, but then treated as familiar without  a resource link
• Class assignment not separated from teaching notes and answer key

Common Core

HSG-MG.A.1 HSG-MG.A.2