Look for: These objects would remain floating at the he…

11.A Use mathematical thinking and construct an explanation to predict patterns in the relationship between the relative strength of two opposing forces on different objects and the resulting change in motion of those objects.

Look for these predictions in their data table:

These objects would remain floating at the height they were released: the large water droplet in Case A and the small hailstone in Case B.

Look for these ideas in their explanations:

• Water droplets and ice crystals have mass and therefore have weight (a downward force on them from gravity).
• They should start to fall from this unless there is an updraft force in the opposite direction that is as strong as (or stronger than) the downward force on them from gravity.

If students’ predictions are not correct, return their handout and ask them to compare their predictions with those reported out in the Scientists Circle on day 2 and have them make corrections in line with the claims of the class. Then have them write a short summary of why these changes make sense and add a new Case C (a new column) to the table on their handout to record their new predictions for an updraft force of 0.001 oz. If students’ explanations are incomplete, ask them to make revisions after completing the consensus modeling in the Scientists Circle. Encourage them to try putting into words what is shown in each of the three cases on the chart paper. Collect these handouts again either at the end of day 2 or the start of the next lesson.