Hey there! Today, we’re going to learn about submarines, which are like boats that can travel underwater. A viewer named Sam asked us how submarines can do that, so let’s dive in and find out!
First, let’s talk about why things float or sink. When you put something in water, it might float on top or sink to the bottom. This depends on something called density, which is how heavy something is for its size. If an object is heavier for its size than water, it sinks. If it’s lighter, it floats.
For example, a plastic spoon floats because it’s not very heavy for its size. But a metal spoon sinks because it’s heavier for its size. Boats float because, even though they’re heavy, they’re not very dense compared to their size.
Submarines can float on water like boats, but they can also dive underwater. To do this, they need to become heavier for their size, or more dense. Submarines have special tanks called ballast tanks that help them dive.
When a submarine wants to dive, it fills these ballast tanks with water. This makes the submarine heavier and dense enough to sink. You can try this at home with a plastic bottle. If you put an empty bottle in water, it floats. But if you let water fill the bottle, it sinks!
Submarines are built strong and sealed tight so water can’t get inside. This keeps the people inside safe and lets them breathe. They bring extra air in bottles, like how you pump air into a bicycle tire. This way, they can explore underwater for a long time.
Scientists use submarines to learn about the ocean and discover amazing animals like jellyfish, octopuses, and fish. There are even creatures we’ve never seen before!
After exploring, submarines need to come back up to the surface. They do this by pushing air into the ballast tanks, which pushes the water out. This makes the submarine lighter for its size, so it floats back up to the top.
Isn’t it cool how submarines use science to explore the ocean? If you have more questions about submarines or anything else, you can visit our website with the help of a grown-up. Thanks for learning with us, and see you next time!
Sink or Float Experiment: Gather a few household items like a plastic spoon, a metal spoon, a rubber ball, and a small rock. Fill a basin with water and predict which items will float and which will sink. Test your predictions by placing each item in the water. Discuss why some items float and others sink based on their density. Try to find other items around the house and see if your predictions improve!
Build Your Own Submarine: Use a plastic bottle to create a simple model of a submarine. Fill the bottle halfway with water and seal it tightly. Place it in a larger container filled with water. Observe how it floats. Now, slowly add more water to the bottle and watch it sink. Discuss how this is similar to how submarines use ballast tanks to dive underwater.
Imagine and Draw: Think about what you might see if you were in a submarine exploring the ocean. Draw a picture of the underwater world, including sea creatures and plants you might discover. Share your drawing with a friend or family member and explain why submarines are important for exploring the ocean.
