Learning Objectives

After this lesson, students will be able to:

 determine the density of an object

 define buoyancy, gravity, and density
 calculate an object's density
 predict whether an object will float or sink

Length:
 1 ½ hours

Curriculum Standards
 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.3

Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or
performing technical tasks.

 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.7

Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that
information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).

 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.8

Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text.

Materials
 Several types of objects that can be weighed, measured, and put in water
 Scales, rulers, calculators, and other tools for measuring
 Container that holds water and is large enough for objects
 Lab sheet with columns for 'Object,' 'Volume,' 'Mass,' 'Density,' 'Prediction,' and 'Result'

Instructions
 Watch our Study.com video lesson Predict Whether an Object Will Sink of Float:
Understanding Density.
 Pause at 3:30 for clarification. Ask:
o What two forces impact whether or not an object floats?
o What do we know about gravity?
o Which is more important when determining buoyancy, gravity or buoyancy force?
Why?
 o How does an object's density impact its buoyancy?
 Play the remainder of the video.

Activity
 Tell students they will be predicting whether or not objects will sink or float by calculating
density as seen in the video.
 Demonstrate with one object, calculating density and comparing it to the density of water. Fill
out a sample lab sheet to clarify for understanding.
 Allow students to calculate density of objects, then make predictions.
 Circulate the room to check for understanding.
 After all students have made calculations and predictions, share data and discuss findings.
 Allow students to test their findings by dropping objects into water and noting the results.
 Have students write a rule about their findings to turn in as an exit slip.

Extensions
 Have students experiment with density by increasing the mass and volume of objects, then
calculating density. What happens?
 Have students bring in items from home and repeat the experiment.