Density
Density
Objectives
In this lesson, students will investigate density. Students will:
- describe the relationship between mass, volume, and density.
- calculate mass, volume, and density using the equation density = mass/volume.
- conduct an experiment to compare the densities of unknown liquids.
- identify common substances based on their densities.
Essential Questions
Vocabulary
Density: Mass per unit of volume. Density = mass/volume.
Mass: The amount of matter in an object.
Volume: The amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object.
Duration
90 minutes/2 class periods
Prerequisite Skills
Prerequisite Skills haven't been entered into the lesson plan.
Materials
- one aquarium filled with water
- one 12-ounce (355-mL) can of cola
- one 12-ounce (355-mL) can of diet cola
- triple-beam balance
- Density PowerPoint (S-5-3-3_Density PPT.pptx)
- copies of Density Worksheet (S-5-3-3_Density Worksheet and KEY.docx)
- copies of Densities of Common Substances (S-5-3-3_Densities of Common Substances and KEY.docx)
- Liquid Layers Lab worksheet (S-5-3-3_Liquid Layers Lab.docx)
- Liquid Layers Lab materials (per lab group):
o cooking oil
o water
o food coloring
o corn syrup
o three graduated cylinders (10- or 25-mL)
o three funnels
o beaker or other clear container
Related Unit and Lesson Plans
Related Materials & Resources
The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.
- What is density?
http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/120Adensity.html
- Density
Formative Assessment
Suggested Instructional Supports
Instructional Procedures
Related Instructional Videos
Note: Video playback may not work on all devices.
Instructional videos haven't been assigned to the lesson plan.
DRAFT 05/02/2011