Rainbow Density Experiment

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this colorful activity (page 6 of the PDF), learners will make a multicolor density column by using different concentrations of sugar solutions. They will see firsthand how differences in solution density cause layering. Although this activity was created as a pre-visit for a workshop about chemistry in cooking, it also makes an excellent stand-alone activity.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • sugar
  • water
  • food coloring
  • tablespoon
  • 5 glasses or clear plastic cups

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
      • Volume and Density

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Student Workshops

Rights: