Whatever Floats (or Sinks) Your Can

In this activity, based on a popular chemical demonstration, groups of students test whether several cans of carbonated sodas will float or sink when placed in water. The purpose of this activity is to determine which property of the sodas (caffeine content, soda color, or sugar content) is responsible for whether the soda cans float or sink. This activity is intended to introduce students to the concept of density in an inquiry-based manner, and is also useful in teaching students the importance of controlling variables and making meaningful comparisons.