Density Columns Aligned with NGSS

Make a density column with different liquids. Have students experiment with a variety of liquids to discover the density of those liquids. Some of the liquids you can experiment with are:

honey
corn syrup
dish soap
water
vegetable oil
rubbing alcohol
lamp oil
karo syrup

Have students label with sticky notes the different liquids.

Drop small objects into the liquids and see if the stay in place or sink.

After the students explore on their own, you can give them more specific directions:

1. Start your column by pouring the honey into the cylinder. Now, you will pour each

liquid SLOWLY into the container, one at a time. It is very important to pour the

liquids slowly and into the center of the cylinder. Make sure that the liquids do not

touch the sides of the cylinder while you are pouring. It’s okay if the liquids mix a

little as you are pouring. The layers will always even themselves out because of

the varying densities. Make sure you pour the liquids in the following order:

. Honey

. Karo syrup

. Dish soap

. Water

. Vegetable oil

. Rubbing alcohol

. Lamp oil

.As you pour, the liquids will layer on top of one another. After you pour in the

liquids you will have a seven-layer science experiment

Science Behind it

The same amount of two different liquids will have different weights because they
have different masses. The liquids that weigh more (have a higher density) will
sink below the liquids that weigh less (have a lower density).

Science and Engineering Practices
1 Asking questions and defining problems
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-PS1 Matter and Its Interactions
Properties of Liquids

Crosscutting Concepts
Energy and Matter

Interactive Notebook Ideas