Most scholars associate density with floating, but how do scientists determine the exact density of an unknown liquid? The third lesson plan in a seven-part series challenges scholars to find the mass and volume of two unknown liquids. Each group shares their data before graphing class data together. Finally, the lines of best fit and solving for the slopes gives an accurate determination of density.

Concepts

density, mass, volume, slope, line of best fit, linear regression, percent error

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Teach how to calculate percent error
• If you have a large class, use more than two unknown liquids for more practice

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of calculating density and slopes of lines

Pros

• Connects math and science concepts
• Hands-on activity encourages involvement from all learners

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSA-REI.D.10 RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.4