Density and Floating

Lab Brief #7

🎯 Your mission

Learn the rule. Then catch nature using it.

⚡ The twist

Color changes mean atoms are rearranging — even if you can't see them.

What you'll learn

Density is how much mass is packed into a given volume. Objects denser than water sink, while less dense objects float. Oil floats on water because it is less dense.

Key words

density
How much matter is packed into a certain amount of space.
mass
The amount of matter, or stuff, that is inside an object.
volume
The amount of space that an object takes up.

Make a hypothesis first

Before you mix: what color do you think it'll turn?

Say your guess out loud — then find out if you were right.

Step 1 of 4 · Read

Look at the vocabulary words and write a definition for each in your own words.

Step 2 of 4 · Do

Create a density column: carefully layer honey, dish soap, water, vegetable oil, and rubbing alcohol in a tall glass. Drop small objects in to test where they float.

Step 3 of 4 · Observe

Look for patterns in your observations.

Step 4 of 4 · Record

Make a graph or chart showing your results.

Question 1 of 3

Why does oil float on water?

How sure are you?😐 maybe

Question 2 of 3

What is density?

How sure are you?😐 maybe

Question 3 of 3

What is mass?

How sure are you?😐 maybe

Mind = blown

🌈 Every color you see is your brain inventing a translation of light frequencies.

Nice work!

You got 0 of 3 right.

Next: Signs of a Chemical Change All lessons

🎯

Next Smart Experiment

We'll pick an experiment that matches exactly how you're thinking right now.

✨ More to explore

🌍 Where you see this in real life: This is happening in your kitchen right now — every time food cooks.

🏆 Stretch challenge (try it this week): Find one ingredient in a snack and look up what it does.

👨‍👩‍👧 For the dinner table: “What's something we cook that mixes things together this way?”

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