Density


Measure the mass and volume of a variety of objects, then place them into a beaker of liquid to see if they float or sink. Learn to predict whether objects will float or sink in water based on their mass and volume. Compare how objects float or sink in a variety of liquids, including gasoline, oil, seawater, and corn syrup.

Screenshot of Density Gizmo

LESSON MATERIALS:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • State the SI units used for mass and volume.
  • Measure the volumes of irregular objects using water displacement.
  • Discover that density can be measured.
  • Predict whether an object will float or sink by measuring its mass and volume.
  • Define the relationship among mass, volume, and density.
  • Calculate the densities of irregular objects.
  • Compare the densities of liquids.

VOCABULARY:

  • density, mass, matter, volume

User Recommendations (13):

  • avatar
    I was amazed by how often students wanted to re-act the floating and sinking of objects, even though the concept was a tough one for them.

    SCIENCE:  3rd Grade

    By: Janice Akes | Recommended 98 days ago

  • avatar
    This is by far my favorite GIZMO! You could see the lightbulbs turning on when my students did this GIZMO.

    SCIENCE:  8th Grade | Physical Science

    By: Jacque Middleton (Alabama) | Recommended 118 days ago

  • avatar
    My students truly understood measuring density after using this Gizmo!

    SCIENCE:  4th Grade

    By: Marcie Gabriel (California) | Recommended 119 days ago

  • avatar
    Great to use with basic measuring skills or a review.

    SCIENCE:  8th Grade | Earth/Space Science, Life Science, Physical Science

    By: Cathy Hammel (Florida) | Recommended 119 days ago

  • avatar
    My students really enjoyed this Gizmo and understood the concept very well.

    SCIENCE:  4th Grade, 5th Grade

    By: Cinthia Sanchez (Florida) | Recommended 135 days ago

User Testimonials

Critical Acclaim

  • Winner: Golden Lamp Award

    2010 AEP

  • Winner: Best Science Instruction Solution

    2010, 2007, 2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Best K-12 Instructional Solution

    2010 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Winner: Best K-12 Instructional Solution

    2009 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Winner: Award of Excellence

    2009, 2008 Tech and Learning Magazine

  • Winner: Distinguished Achievement Award

    2008, 2007, 2005 AEP

  • Finalist: Distinguished Achievement Award

    2010, 2009, 2006 AEP

  • Finalist: Golden Lamp Award

    2009, 2008, 2006 AEP

  • Finalist: Best Math Instructional Solution

    2009, 2008, 2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Best Instructional Solution, Science

    2009, 2008 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Best Instructional Solution, Online

    2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Diamond Award in Mathematics

    District Administration Magazine

  • E-Learning Innovation Award

    Macromedia Corp.

  • Best Education Website

    Webby Awards

  • Three time Digital Dozen Honoree

    Eisenhower National Clearinghouse

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