Science is peppered with stories of discovery, with some of the biggest breakthroughs coming from seemingly everyday occurrences. One of the oldest and well-known tales revolves around Archimedes' legendary “Eureka!” moment when he realized the principle of buoyancy and displacement while taking a bath.
After listening to the story of Archimedes' discovery, students were asked to think about and discuss whether his principle had 'Mathematical Merit". A couple of examples of their discussion points were that the Science of Math can be used to solve a problem (determining the volume of the gold in the crown), and that 'merit' implied a level of reliability and quality.
After listening to the story of Archimedes' discovery, students were asked to think about and discuss whether his principle had 'Mathematical Merit". A couple of examples of their discussion points were that the Science of Math can be used to solve a problem (determining the volume of the gold in the crown), and that 'merit' implied a level of reliability and quality.
Students were then tasked with devising and conducting an experiment to prove the mathematical merit of Archimedes' discovery. By applying the components of Scientific Method to this work, students were able to identify their experimental variables (controlled, manipulated, and responding), record and compare their data using a chart, identify patterns in their observations, and relate these patterns in a sound mathematical conclusion.
Their conclusions demonstrated the relationship between the number of centimetre cubes added to the water in a graduated cylinder, and the corresponding change in the level of the water. Their 'Eureka' moment came when they showed that 1 cubic centimetre displaces 1 millilitre of water, and that this represents the volume of an object. Further food for thought was to consider how this information could be used in other applications and problems.
Their conclusions demonstrated the relationship between the number of centimetre cubes added to the water in a graduated cylinder, and the corresponding change in the level of the water. Their 'Eureka' moment came when they showed that 1 cubic centimetre displaces 1 millilitre of water, and that this represents the volume of an object. Further food for thought was to consider how this information could be used in other applications and problems.