The Scientific Principles

behind Submarines

Matthew PiechDefense Language InstituteEnglish Language Center

United States Submarines

Lesson ObjectivesContent Learning Objective: After learning 15 content-area vocabulary words and participating in an

interactive class presentation on the scientific principles behind submarines, the student will complete a 10-item true/false and multiple choice quiz on the Principles. 8 or more questions answered correctly indicates mastery.

Language Development Objective: After conducting a science experiment on how submarines dive and surface, the learner will be able to discuss the answers to 5 experiment-related questions. 4 or more correct responses indicates mastery.

Social/Language Learning Strategy Objective: After learning 15 content-area vocabulary words and participating in an interactive class presentation on the scientific principles behind submarines, the learner will work cooperatively and professionally with a partner to complete a 6-step science experiment. 6 out of 6 steps performed correctly indicates mastery.

Language Function: Cause & Effect Cause Connector Effect

Copper is an excellent conductor . Thus

ThereforeConsequently

As a result

, most wires are made of this material.

Aluminum overheats quickly ; thus

thereforeconsequently

as a result

, it is no longer used to make wires.

Practice:A harmful chemical spilled in the lab. __________________________

There was a short in the circuit; _______________________________

The equipment was defective. _________________________________

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: afloat (adj.)Definition: floating on water Example: The pillow keeps the dog afloat in the

swimming pool.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: buoyancy (n.)Definition: the ability to rise or float in a liquid Example: Buoyancy explains an iceberg’s ability

to float.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: confined (adj.)Definition: to keep within an area.Example: The prisoner is confined to his cell.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: constant (adj.)Definition: continuous; steady Example: Apply constant pressure to squeeze the

juice from the orange.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: density (n.)Definition: thickness; compactness Example: Different densities allow certain fluids

to float on others.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: exert (v.)Definition: to put forth; to use energetically Example: He exerts great strength to lift the

weight.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: force (n.)Definition: power or strength Example: The volcano erupts with tremendous

force.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: hydraulic (adj.)Definition: operated by the movement and force of

liquid Example: Hydraulic cylinders deliver great force.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: inversely (adv.)Definition: oppositely; reversed in order or relation.

Example: They two teams are pulling the rope inversely.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: principle (n.)Definition: a fundamental law or truth which

explains how something occurs Example: The diagram explains the principle of

producing methane-based fuel.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: submerge (v.)Definition: to place under or cover with water Example: He submerged himself to explore the

ocean.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: transmit (v.)Definition: to convey force from one area to

another; to pass along Example: The earthquake transmitted its force

across the land.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: uniformly (adv.)Definition: consistently, evenly, regularly Example: The two ears of corn are growing

uniformly.

Lesson Vocabulary

Word: vary (v.)Definition: to make different from one another Example: Cacti vary in size and shape.

Lesson VocabularyWord: volume (n.)Definition: the amount of space occupied by a 3-

dimensional object or region of space. Example: This chart shows the volume formulas

for various shapes.

Archimedes’ Principle of Buoyancy

Who was Archimedes?Archimedes (c. 287 BC – c. 212 BC) was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor and astronomer.

Archimedes’ Principle of BuoyancyWhat does his principle say?

The buoyant force of an object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

What does it mean?

1. An object with density greater than that of the fluid in which it is submerged tends to sink.

2. If the object is either less dense than the liquid or is shaped appropriately (as in a boat), the force can keep the object afloat.

Pascal’s Principle of Transmission ofFluid

Who was Pascal?

Blaise Pascal (1623 – 1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer, and Catholic philosopher.

Pascal’s Principle of Transmission ofFluid

What does his principle say?The pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted uniformly throughout the fluid.

What does it mean?

Everyday items like hydraulic jacks, automotive transmissions, and hydraulic brakes function.

Boyle’s Gas Law

Who was Boyle?

Robert Boyle (1627 – 1691) was an Irish chemist, physicist, inventor, and natural philosopher.

Boyle’s Gas LawWhat does his law say?The pressure exerted by a gas held at a constant temperature varies inversely with the volume of the gas.

What does it mean?

If the volume is halved, the pressure is doubled; and if the volume is doubled, the pressure is halved.

What do These Three Principles Have in Common?

Together, these principles explain how submarines can dive and surface.