The Density of Liquids

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

5

Overview

In this lesson, students will be able to explain that the density of a liquid has to do with how heavy it is for the sample size. Students will also be able to explain that if a liquid is denser than water, it will sink when added to water, and if it is less dense than water, it will float. As a demonstration, the teacher will compare the weight of an equal amount or volume of water and corn syrup so students can observe that corn syrup is denser than water and sinks. Students will compare the weight of an equal amount or volume of water and vegetable oil and see that vegetable oil is less dense than water and floats. Students add corn syrup to layered oil and water and see the corn syrup sinks below both the oil and water.

Science (2015) Grade(s): 5

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Construct explanations from observations to determine how the density of an object affects whether the object sinks or floats when placed in a liquid.

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Vocabulary

  • density
  • volume
  • buoyancy
  • data
  • observe
  • explain
  • sink
  • float
  • mass

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Objects are made of many tiny particles to small to be seen.
  • Some objects have many tiny particles compacted close together that causes the object to sink while other objects the same size may float because their tiny particles are less compact.
  • Some objects of the same size sink when others float.
  • Buoyancy is the ability of an object to float.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Predict the results of different types of objects being placed in water. Test the objects and communicate the results.
  • Use appropriate tools (Scale, balance, ruler, or graduated cylinder) to measure the weight, mass, and/volume of an object.
  • Construct an explanation to describe the observed relationship between density and the ability of an object to sink or float.
  • Identify the evidence that supports the explanation that density affects the ability of an object to sink or float.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Cause and effect relationships are routinely identified and used to explain phenomenon like sinking and floating.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

CR Resource Type

Lesson/Unit Plan

Resource Provider

Other

License Type

CUSTOM

Resource Provider other

American Chemical Society

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
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