Density is a fascinating property that tells us how much mass is contained in a given volume. It explains why some objects float while others sink. By experimenting with different liquids, kids can see density in action! Here are three engaging examples of experimenting with density using liquids that you can try at home or in the classroom.
In this activity, we’ll create a colorful density tower to visually demonstrate how liquids of different densities stack on top of each other. This is a great way for kids to see the concept of density in action!
To do this experiment, gather the following materials:
Start by pouring the honey or corn syrup into the bottom of the container. Next, slowly pour the dish soap on top, ensuring you pour it gently to minimize mixing. Continue by adding the colored water, again pouring slowly. Follow this with the vegetable oil, and if you like, add colored rubbing alcohol on top. You’ll see that each layer stays separate due to the differences in density!
Notes: You can experiment with different liquids and see how they layer differently. You can also try adding small objects (like a grape or a marble) to see which ones float or sink in each layer!
This experiment will show how you can change the density of a liquid and make an egg float! It’s a fantastic way to engage kids with a little kitchen science.
You’ll need:
Fill the glass or bowl with water and gently place the egg in it. You’ll see that the egg sinks to the bottom. Now, slowly add salt to the water, stirring to dissolve it. As you add salt, the density of the water increases. Keep adding salt until the egg starts to float!
This is a fun way to illustrate how increasing the density of the liquid can change whether an object sinks or floats.
Notes: You can discuss why the egg floats now and what might happen if you used a different liquid. You can also measure how much salt it takes to make the egg float and compare it with other experiments!
This experiment turns density into a fun race! It’s a hands-on way to learn about how different liquids behave based on their density.
For this activity, you’ll need:
Fill one container with water, another with vegetable oil, and the last with corn syrup or honey. If you want to make it colorful, add food coloring to the water and corn syrup. Then, take a small object like a grape, a piece of fruit, or a small sponge, and drop it into each liquid one at a time. Use the stopwatch to time how long it takes for each object to sink to the bottom.
You’ll notice that the object sinks at different rates in each liquid, and you can discuss why that happens.
Notes: You can experiment with different objects to see how their density compares to the liquids. Try using heavier or lighter objects and see how that affects the results!
These examples of experimenting with density using liquids are not only educational but also a lot of fun. Enjoy exploring the world of density with your kids!