Layers of Liquids

Learners pour equal amounts of coffee, mineral oil, corn syrup, and alcohol into a beaker. The liquids resolve into stacked layers, and learners can infer which liquids are the most and least dense. Learners then place small objects into the beaker and predict where the objects will float. Learners discover that different liquids have different densities, the ability of an object to float depends on the density of the object and the density of the liquid, and that not all liquids will mix. Even though this activity is no longer in active use in OMSI's Chemistry Lab, it remains an interesting and inspiring activity for groups of learners.