Defining Density

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In this introductory demonstration and activity, learners are introduced to the concept of density as they explore a rock and a wooden block in water. First, learners observe a small rock and a larger, heavier wooden block on a balance and then in a tank of water. The lighter rock sinks, while the heavier wooden block floats. Learners realize that there must be something more to sinking and floating than size or weight. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org. Activity write-up only, images are unavailable.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Water
  • Clear plastic cup or larger container
  • Wooden block
  • Rock
  • Balance
  • 5 tall clear plastic cups
  • Wide plastic deli container or bowl
  • Student Activity Sheet

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Kessler, James H. ; Galvan, Patricia M.

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Chemical Society, 2007