Activity
American Chemical Society

Inquiry in Action: Changing the Density of an Object: Changing Shape

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Throughout the activities in this investigation, students may have wondered how a boat made out of steel, which is more dense than water, can float. This activity addresses that question. Students will see that changing the shape of an...
Activity
American Chemical Society

Inquiry in Action: Changing the Density of an Object: Adding Material

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this activity, students see that a can of regular cola sinks while a can of diet cola floats. As a demonstration, bubble wrap is taped to the can of regular cola to make it float. This high-volume but light-weight material increases...
Activity
American Chemical Society

Inquiry in Action: Compare the Density of an Object to the Density of Water

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this activity, students use tea light candle holders and a student-made balance to compare the weight of equal volumes of wax, water, and clay. Students will discover that since the wax weighs less than an equal volume of water, it is...