Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Density of Rocks

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Given a variety of rocks, junior geologists calculate densities and correlate them to Earth's layers. As a simulation of continental crust, they experiment with how materials of differing density float in water. Finally, they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solids, Liquids, and Gases

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Not many lessons on states of matter can hold a candle to this one! Junior chemists gauge the density of paraffin in both liquid and solid phases. They fill 60 mL syringes with different materials to experiment with compressibility and...
Lesson Plan
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Center for Learning in Action

Density

For Teachers 2nd - 5th Standards
Explore the concept of density within states of matter—gases, liquids, and solids—through a group experiment in which young scientists test objects' texture, color, weight, size, and ability to sink or float.    
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Density Derby

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students explore the relationship between mass, volume and density. They use model boats to discover how changing mass and volume affect density. This is a very engaging lesson plan which provides great demonstrations and hands-on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Densities

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students explore the concept of density. In this density lesson plan, students determine the density of a crown and a sample of clay. They hypothesize about the densities of 4 liquids they are given including molasses, cooking oil, a red...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using a Spreadsheet to Understand Density

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students use density to identify what metal a gold colored weight is made of. They use a spreadsheet to graph the experimental density of common metals and compare the know densities to their calculated density of the known metal.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Density - An Introduction

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Young scholars experiment with objects of different densities. For this density lesson, students examine same-sized objects with different weights, then look at a teacher explanation of density. Young scholars make wave bottles and a...
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

The Particle Theory of Matter

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Demonstrate the particle theory of matter to high school scientists with an engaging experiment that allows them to visually see the results as substances change from one state to another. The class concludes with a discussion about how...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Density

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders watch a demonstration and complete an experiment to determine how an objects' density allows it to float or sink. They work in small groups to assimilate the characteristics of items that float as opposed to simply...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Density Lab Activities

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students participate in several density lab activities in order to clarify the misconceptions that solids sink and liquids float. Students work with triple beam balances to find mass of objects to calculate density.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Density and Mass

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Learners experiment to find which liquids are more dense.  In this density and mass lesson, students predict and then test objects to observe and measure their density. learners observe which items sink and float. Students complete...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter: Solids Liquids and Gases

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students participate in a science experiment to understand that matter takes up space.  In this matter lesson plan, students experiment with solids, liquids and gases to recognize that matter is everywhere. Students make...
Lesson Plan
University of New Orleans

Rock Cycle and Rocks Lab

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Science rocks! Explore three types of rocks and the rock cycle with an igneous rocks experiment. Pupils discuss textures, composition, and learn how melts are formed from the Earth's crust. They weigh materials using a scientific scale...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Discovering Density

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students explore the physical properties of density. In this hands-on lesson, students calculate density and distinguish between intensive and extensive properties.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Density Discoveries

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students participate in Density Discoveries, which is a hands-on learning opportunity for students to find the mass, volume, and density of solid matter.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Density and Buoyancy Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars investigate why some objects float or sink in water. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate the density of clay ball using a mathematical equation. They write a complete lab report about the experiment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stacking Water

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars experiment with different salinities of water using straws and different colors of water. They collect and interpret data from the experiment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Denser Sensor

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders calculate density, compare densities of solids and liquids, measure liquids using a balance, and investigate the significance of density. They conduct an experiment to determine an order of densities, and complete a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigation of Crystallinity in Polymeric Materials

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
A kaleidoscope is constructed using polarizing polymer paper and then low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene are all melted onto individual glass slides and examined through a microscope. The intent is to...
Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Global Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Ice is nice, and its condition on the planet has a significant effect. Junior geoscientists experiment with ice melting in both water and on land to discover how each affect the rising sea level. This detailed instructional activity...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Properties of Matter

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the properties of matter. In this properties of matter lesson, students observe containers of different metals and discuss their properties including density. Students find the density of an unknown metal and of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Liquids: Floating and Sinking

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders conduct an experiment. In this floating and sinking liquids lesson, 3rd graders discuss density and investigate it using syrup, vegetable oil and colored water. Students observe the results and complete a worksheet.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Matter?

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate what matter is and how it changes states.  In this physical properties lesson, students examine the vocabulary database and identify the characteristics of the three phases of matter.  Students perform a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hot Air Balloons

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine how a hot air balloon works. In this hot air balloon lesson, students do an experiment to test the effects of heat on density. Students make their own hot air balloon and act out how nitrogen moves when turned to a liquid.