Lesson: Ballast Systems in Submarines

In this lesson plan and activity authored by Robert Valtos and published by the American Society for Engineering Education, students learn about the role that ballasts play in allowing engineers to control the buoyancy of a submarine. During this lesson, students work in groups of four to six to build their own ballast system out of plastic bottles, flexible tubing, and an eight ounce weight. Next, students manipulate their ballast system in a 5-gallon bucket of water and reflect on their observations. This lesson plan is part of the Sea Perch Curriculum, a series of lessons for "integrating ocean exploration into the classroom." Instructors may also implement this lesson plan independent of the Sea Perch Curriculum. This lesson can be completed in one 45 minute class period.