Density Teacher Resources

Density: the reason a giant pumpkin will float, but a tiny cranberry won't. Lesson begins with a demonstration of two of the same-sized cubes having different densities. Then pupils take eight cubes, each of the same size, and have to...

Change the density of water by adding minerals. The presentation discusses density—from the definition to calculations—and applies it to the real world. It briefly mentions specific gravity, and finishes by showing Archimedes' principle. 

There's a lot content packed into the four lessons of this physical science unit on density. From salad dressing to the water cycle and hot air balloons, these lessons engage students in hands-on activities that explore real-world...

Don't be dense—use a robust resource. The second installment of a five-part Floaters and Sinkers unit has learners determine the densities of several objects. As part of the activity, they learn the displacement method for finding...

Using a graduated cylinder and triple beam balance, middle schoolers measure the volume and mass of four different liquids. They use the values to compute densities. In a separate activity, they experiment with Cartesian divers and learn...

We know solids have a density we can measure, but what about liquids? Lesson explores this concept and allows scholars to explore the relationship between volume and density. Graphing and analysis questions round out the activity. 

Students set up working models demonstrating lake turnover and the formation of deep water masses in the oceans.

Elementary and middle school physical science learners explore density in a hands-on lesson. They measure the mass and calculate the volume of different metal and wood blocks. From these two values, they compute the density for each....

Water with varying amounts of dissolved salt are dyed and then used to compare densities. The objective is to discover the effect of salinity, and therefore density, on ocean water on the stability of the ocean. Many branches of science...

Mass and density — aren't they the same thing? This activity has groups use balance beams and water displacement to measure several objects. The pupils use the measurements to calculate the density of the objects. 

What happens when stars run out of fuel? Pupils learn the incredible sequence of events that occur as a star nears its end. The video compares and contrasts the events in low- and high-mass stars, detailing the cycle of fusion, energy...

Certain things just do not mix, including liquids of varying densities. Learners collect data to determine the densities of several liquids. They then use the density information to predict the type of liquid.

Students find the density of diet soda and regular soda. In this density lesson plan, students measure the mass of a graduated cylinder with 10 different volumes of each soda. They find the mass of the liquid alone and use the volume to...

Even though this assignment is brought to you by Physics Lab Online, it is best used as a math practice. Middle schoolers calculate the range, mean, mode, and median for a list of eight different paper clip densities. They analyze...

Three simple activities kick off a unit investigation of density. Your physical scientists make observations on the volume and mass of wood, water, and rocks, and make comparisons. Though this is written for grades three through eight,...

We don't think of liquids as floating typically, but a quick look at any oil spill tells a different story. Lesson explores various densities of liquids and why this fact is important. After observing the density variation, scholars...

Why do some large objects float while other tiny objects sink? Simulation relates mass and volume to density. After repeated measurements with known substances, scholars must identify a mystery substance by calculating its density.

Students determine the molar mass of a gas. In this molar mass of a gas lesson plan, students use the vapor density of an organic solvent to determine its molar mass. They vaporize the solvent and collect the vapor. Once it is cooled...

Most scholars associate density with floating, but how do scientists determine the exact density of an unknown liquid? The third lesson in a seven-part series challenges scholars to find the mass and volume of two unknown liquids. Each...

In this density worksheet, learners determine the concentration of sugar in an unknown solution by creating a calibration curve using several known solutions.

This sequence of slides is a fabulous introduction to the concept of density as it relates to mass, volume, physical impact, and interpretation. Various examples are given and your class will find the charts and procedures helpful in...

If you have a set of six various metal rods, you can use this lab activity to challenge science students to calculate their densities. They will use a triple beam balance to measure the mass and the micrometer and ruler determine the...

Does matter really matter? Properties of matter are discussed by Sam and RJ: mass, volume, and density. They differentiate between mass and weight. They explain how to measure these properties. Make sure to teach your class about other...

Don't be so dense that light bends around you; study the relationship between mass and volume instead. Young chemists measure the density of a variety of liquids and solids. A reading passage and analysis questions introduce pupils to...