Density Activity Lab: calculating and comparing densities of liquids and solids

Need another means of helping students understand the concept of density?

The density column lab activity is what you want.

Density is one of those concepts that take time for the students to begin to "get it". In the classroom, many exposures are needed to get the concept across to the majority of students.

That is where this density lab comes in! Though the concept, when grasped, is simple and applicable across many disciplines, it takes repeated exposure. Hands-on is great for accomplishing that aim.

Description:
This lab is ideally suited for class use! Using readily available or inexpensive materials, the density column lab activity is the perfect accompaniment to a unit on Matter and/or Density.

Using common recyclable plastic pieces, salt, water, vegetable oil, isopropanol, and readily available lab equipment, students will make observations, take measurements, gather and record data, perform calculations, and analyze results with conclusion questions.

The included template has guidelines, an answer key for the teacher, printable lab sheets, and detailed directions for students.

Students should be able to complete the lab in an hour or so.

Student answer sheets are available for digital input with TPT's Easel.

Key Points:

suited for class use via worksheets or w/ Easel
uses free, inexpensive & readily available materials
detailed instructions for both teacher and student
teacher pages include instructions, hints & tips for preparation and conducting the experiment
student pages include very detailed directions for conducting the experiment

Teacher overview & answer key included

Students will:

make observations
take measurements
gather & record data
perform calculations
analyze results

Why you’ll love it:

Uses easy to find or inexpensive materials
Simple to set up
Hands-on nature cements or increases understanding

Additional Details

This lab is designed for upper middle school or lower high school classes due to the nature of the calculations and questions asked. For a simpler version, check out the "Float or Sinktake" lab. It's basically the same lab but geared for grades 4-6.

This lab activity is suitable for grades 7-9.

You may also want to check these out:
• Density Problems & Calculations Boom Cards
• Density: a physical property of matter
• Matter- Simplified & Illustrated / Physical Science
• Matter Notes Coloring

Copyright © Its Science

Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

Purchase extra licenses if you intend to share this product.