Procedure for Buoyancy Experiment

1. Gather materials for experiments. Per group of three or four students:  helium balloon, paper clips, bucket of water, and small plastic bag.
2. Hold helium balloon and watch as it floats in the air.
3. Now try to make the balloon balance in the air so it is not floating or sinking.  Do this by adding paper clips on the string of the balloon.
4. Add and subtract paper clips until the balloon balances.
5. Record results on lab report sheet (one per group).
6. Place plastic page with air in the water.
7. Now try to make the plastic bag balance in the water so it is not floating or sinking.  Do this by adding paper clips in the bag with air.
8. Add and subtract paper clips until the bag is submerged but not sinking.
9. Record results on lab report sheet (one per group).
10. Report findings to the class.

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