1. “5-Minute Prep” For Matter Properties of Matter
DE Science Elementary
“5-Minute Prep” For Matter Properties of Matter
Density

2. Density – The Big Ideas
Density is the amount of matter in a given space.
Objects float or sink depending on density.
An object sinks in a liquid if it is denser than the liquid’s density.
An object floats in a liquid if it is less dense than the liquid’s density.

3. Density – Prior Knowledge
Density is a complex concept that is new to students. It will be helpful for students to review:
observations of objects floating in water, whether it is in the bath tub or in a large body of water such as the ocean or a lake.
the basic concept of mass.
the basic concept of volume.

4. Density – Common Misconceptions
The density of an object depends only on its volume.
Reality: Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given unit volume (density = mass/volume).
A "thick" liquid has a higher density than water.
Reality: Students confuse density and thickness, assuming that thick liquids have a higher density than thinner, less viscous liquids.

5. Density – Using DE Science Content
When you close this presentation, you can review the following recommended resources for Density.
Exploration: Density
Reading Passage: How to Make a Root Beer Float
Video: Measuring Volume and Density
Video: Experiment: The Densities of Water and Alcohol
Use the PowerPoint version of this presentation for hyperlinks to these resources or you can get to them through the browser or search feature.

6. Density – Instructional Ideas
Place a large clear box or aquarium of water on a table.
Add a regular can of soda and a can of diet soda in the water.
Ask the students to hypothesize why one sinks and other one floats.
Then, have students read How to Make a Root Beer Float.

7. Density – Instructional Ideas
Before class, calculate the densities of several different liquids with different food colorings, i.e. water, oil, and corn syrup, as a class.
Have students draw what will happen when the liquids are mixed together.
Allow students to perform the experiment.
Let the liquids settle.
Students can draw what they observe and then, calculate the densities (density = mass/volume).
Students should explain why the liquids separate.

8. Additional Information:
State standards:
If you wish to review your state standards regarding Density, click here to get to the curriculum standards search feature of DES.
You can click on any standard to see what resources are available to teach it.
Additional Information:
For additional content, check the Extend section within the concept.