Why can you float on the water if you lay out flat but sink like a rock if you curl into a ball? Does it matter how much you weigh? How do you build a boat so it floats and doesn't sink? Does it matter how much cargo it's carrying? To learn the answer to these questions and more like them, its important to understand the scientific principle of buoyancy. Buoyancy certainly mattered to Meriwether Lewis as he watched John Walker build his 55-foot keelboat, a boat that had to carry thousands of pounds of men and cargo successfully. Buoyancy certainly also mattered to the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles as they built their replica keelboat. What has to happen to make sure that an object designed to float stays afloat? Join science experts, members of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles and other boat builders on a virtual field trip to the shores of the Ohio River to learn more about boats, buoyancy and a man named Archimedes.
Contents of the Broadcast:
1. Opening to 7:10--Introduction, welcome, orientation to today's topic
2. 7:10 to 29:24--Science teacher Dr. Barbara Hagerman takes students through a lesson on the scientific principles of buoyancy, stability, displacement and ballast. Information on Archimedes and questions from students are also included.
3. 29:24 to 50:45--The scientific principles discussed in the previous section are put into practical application as members of the Discovery Expedition discuss the purpose and design of their replica pirogues and keelboat. Video of their construction and use on the river is included along with questions from students.
4. 50:45 to 1:05:07--We are joined by IkeHastings of the American Sternwheeler Association who discusses the purpose and design of sternwheelers. Images of construction and operation of sternwheelers are included as are questions from students.
5. 1:05:07 to End--Final questions from students, information from boat builders on how they combat the prospect of a "waterlogged" boat, summary of science learned, thanks and goodbye.
