This lab was on density, measuring how much matter is squeezed in a certain space or object. The challenge was to keep a small, plastic, man afloat with only using a small piece of foam and one rubber band. We were allowed to cut and change the shape of the materials, but only those items could be used in the lab. The man had to float on his back, and have most of his head/ face out of the water.
Our design was successful because the little man floated with his head out of the water, and he didn’t sink or drown. One thing that could have been improved on our design: We could have put small pieces of foam to act like floats on the feet of the plastic man. This would have helped to keep his feet and lower body floating above the water instead of halfway under the water. The life jacket causes the density of the man to change by dispersing his weight evenly around his body to keep it above the water. The main float around his head helps to keep him out of the water and safely floating on his back.