Downloadable (1 PDF - 11 pages)

Ideal for grades 5-8, students will analyze the density of water through an exploration of water in liquid and solid state. Using a combination of liquid water and oil, students will see how density impacts fluid behavior.

After completing this lesson, students will understand:

• The densities of water, ice, and oil in comparison with each other

Resources included:

• Lesson plan
• Student worksheet
• Student reading: Why does ice float?

Additional resources required:

• Room temperature water
• 500 ml cooking oil
• 12 ice cubes colored with food coloring
• Food coloring to add to water
• 12 beakers or other transparent vessels
• 12 trays to capture water overflow
• Tongs (optional, but very handy)
• Timers