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In this density activity, students determine the relative densities of five liquids and layer them atop one another in a straw. Directions for conducting the activity are included in addition to lists of the science process skills, complex reasoning strategies, and National Science Education Standards that relate to it. A brief explanation of the activity's science content and an assessment idea are also provided. This activity is part of a set called Whelmers that were designed to inspire students to think about science concepts.
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| Title | Middle School Portal: Math and Science Pathways (MSP2) |
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| Link | http://msteacher2.org/ |
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| Description | The Middle School Portal 2: Math and Science Pathways (MSP2) supports middle grades educators with high-quality, standards-based resources and promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing among its users. Educators use MSP2 to increase content knowledge in science, mathematics, and appropriate pedagogy for youth ages 10 to 15. MSP2 employs social networking and digital tools to foster dynamic experiences that promote creation, modification, and sharing of resources, facilitate professional development, and support the integration of technology into practice. MSP2 is a project of the Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology, National Middle School Association, and Education Development Center, Inc., and is funded by the National Science Foundation. The partners integrate resources, tools, and services across projects, and support multiple methods of resource discovery to meet the needs of this audience. |
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skip navigation Home Contact Us Sitemap Search Careers FREE-SOURCES McREL STORE CART About Us Products & Services Our Work Quick Links News Room Whelmer #64: Liquid Rainbow Description: Students are challenged to layer five liquids of different density in a drinking straw. Science process skills: observation classification measurement space/time relations interpreting data Complex reasoning strategies: comparison classification abstracting problem solving Standards: K-4: Plan and conduct a simple investigation (Standard A.1.2). Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses (Standard A.1.3). Objects have many observable properties, including size, weight, shape, color, temperature, and the ability to react with other substances (Standard B.1.1). 5-8: Design and conduct a scientific investigation (Standard A.1.2). A substances has characteristic properties, such as density, all of which are independent of the amount of the sample (Standard B.1.1). 9-12: Design and conduct scientific investigations (Standard A.1.2). The physical properties of compounds reflect the nature of the interactions among its molecules (Standard B.2.4). Above Standards from the National Science Education Standards. Content topics: density solubility You will need: five pitchers, milk jugs, or other large containers food coloring; 4 colors transparent drinking straws pickling salt 6 vials or test tubes for each student or group Instructions: Prepare five salt solutions, each with a different density. Use the following recipe: Pitcher #1: 1 gallon water + 0 cups of salt + bottle of yellow coloring. Pitcher #2: 1 gallon water + 1/2 cups of salt + bottle of green coloring. Pitcher #3: 1 gallon water + 1 cups of salt + no coloring (clear). Pitcher #4: 1 gallon water + 1 1/2 cups of salt + bottle of red food coloring. Pitcher #5: 1 gallon water + 2 cups of salt + bottle of blue food coloring. Mix the solutions thoroughly, until all salt is dissolved. The solutions must be heavily colored. Use the entire contents of one of the small bottles usually sold in sets of four at the grocery store. Pickling salt is preferred for this activity because it does not have any additives and will not make cloudy solutions. Clear or translucent drinking straws must be used so that the colors of the different solutions can be observed when in the straw. Each student or group of students will need six small vials or test tubes; five to hold the solutions and one to be used as a waste container. Presentation: Do not allow students to see how much salt is in the solutions. Do not place the five pitchers in order, or in any other manner divulge the relative density of the solutions. Distribute a sample of each of the five solutions to students. Allow them to practice placing a finger over the end of a straw and "picking up" a sample of a solution. Direct them to select two of the solutions at random. Draw a small portion of the first solution into the straw. While holding the solution in the straw, lower the end of the straw into the second liquid. Draw a sample of the second solution into the straw. If the first solution floats on the second, the first is less dense. If the first mixes or falls through the second; the first is more dense. By making comparisons of all five liquids and making record of each trial, student will establish an order of density for the five liquids. As a extension, challenge students to get all five solutions layered in the straw. Content: Analytical thinking is a skill which is important to all scientists. While developing their own scheme to order the densities of the five solutions, students will experience analytical thinking; perhaps, without realizing it. Students will also develop their own technique for drawing a small sample of the solutions into the straw (holding their thumb over the end of the straw, using it as a air valve). They will be challenged to determine a technique to get all five solutions in the straw. They will learn to lower the straw progressively lower into each solution. Assessment: Type: small group. Content/Process: density. Age/Level: all. This Whelmer is an assessment for Whelmer #49: Potato Float. Follow the directions for the activity. Assess students on their accurate assessment of the relative densities of the solutions. Challenge students to create a patriotic column...red, white, and blue...or one that shows their school colors. Notes: Sign up for McREL FREE-SOURCES • Privacy Policy - Disclaimer © 2012 Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning
