Exploring the Depths: Inquiry to Apply and Deepen Students’ Understanding of Density

Authors

James M. Sleep, I-35 High School, Truro
Lee Johnson, Bergman Academy, Des Moines

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This activity is designed to deepen students' understanding of the concept of density through scientific inquiry. Students devise procedures to determine the relative and absolute (qualitative and quantitative) densities of several solutions of salt water, and establish a class consensus on their results. Students then apply their findings to estimate the density of an unknown solution. The targeted grade-level for this activity is 8 grade physical science. However, because we know students at all grade levels struggle to understand density, this activity could also be useful in high school Earth science and chemistry. This activity promotes National Science Education Content Standards A, B, and G, and Iowa Teaching Standards 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Publication Date

Spring 2010

Journal Title

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

Volume

37

Issue

2

First Page

5

Last Page

10

Copyright

© Copyright 2010 by the Iowa Academy of Science

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Sleep, James M. and Johnson, Lee (2010) "Exploring the Depths: Inquiry to Apply and Deepen Students’ Understanding of Density," Iowa Science Teachers Journal: Vol. 37: No. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/istj/vol37/iss2/3