Summary

In this lab, students will create a density aquarium. They will develop a written response comparing and contrasting the densities of the various objects within the aquarium. This lab is designed for students to work in groups after they have an understanding of density and other physical properties.

Grade Level

Elementary School

NGSS Alignment

This lab will help prepare your students to meet the performance expectations in the following standards:

• 5-PS1-3: Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
• Scientific and Engineering Practices:
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Objectives

By the end of this lab, students should be able to

• Create a density aquarium.
• Write evidence based claims to compare and contrast the densities of liquids and objects.

Chemistry Topics

This lab supports students’ understanding of

• Density
• Physical Properties
• Observations

Time

Teacher Preparation: 10-15 minutes

Lesson: 60 minutes

Materials (per group)

• 1 clear, medium-sized, plastic container (example: Tupperware)
• Aquarium rocks of various sizes
• 7-8 Plastic sea animal toys (some of these should sink and some will float)
• Water (fill each plastic container approximately 2/3)
• 100ml Vegetable oil
• Beaker or small plastic cup
• Blue food coloring
• Popsicle stick/stirrers

Safety

• Always wear safety goggles when handling chemicals in the lab.
• Students should wash their hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.
• When students complete the lab, instruct them how to clean up their materials and dispose of any chemicals

Teacher Notes

• Students should already have a working knowledge of physical properties, including density. In order for them to be successful in this lab, they should be able to answer the pre-lab questions independently before they begin.
• While this lab was designed for students to complete in groups, this could also be completed as a teacher demonstration, especially if there are not enough resources for all students to complete the activity.
• If none of the plastic sea animals float, you may want to include other materials, such as fake leaves, that will not sink.
• Procedures:
  • Begin the lesson with a quick review of physical properties: mass, volume, density, texture, hardness, etc.
  • After your introduction, students should be able to complete the pre-lab questions independently.
  • Review activity procedures for students. Water can be added by the teacher and the oil should be pre-measured for students and placed into a beaker/plastic cup for students to add into the water. The exact measurement of oil is not important for this activity.
  • Students should follow the given procedures to create their density aquariums.
  • As students draw their observation diagram, ensure that they are using specific labels and details so that their diagrams accurately reflect their aquarium.