Science
SCI.IV.1.1
Grade: 5
Strand IV
Using Scientific Knowledge in Physical Science
Standard 1:
Matter and Energy - All students will measure and describe the things
around us
Benchmark 1:
Describe and compare objects in terms of mass, volume, and density.
Constructing and Reflecting :
SCI.I.1.2 - Design and conduct scientific investigations.
• Experiment with floating and non-floating objects to discover that objects with a density of more than 1.0 g/cm3 sink in
water.
• Experiment with balloons to prove that air has mass.
SCI.I.1.4 - Use metric measurement devices to provide consistency in an investigation.
• Experiment with metric measurement tools to demonstrate proper usage.
Vocabulary / Key Concepts
Context
Units of density – grams per cubic centimeter or
grams per milliliter
Common objects and substances
Measurement Tools
• balance,
• measuring cup or graduated cylinder
• metric ruler
Knowledge and Skills
Describe and compare objects in terms of mass,
volume and density.
Resources
Coloma Resources:
Equal Mass Set 16 D 8015 Wards
How the Earth works – Readers Digest pgs
79,83
Other Resources:
• MSU unit Matter and Molecules
• Scope Unit – Measuring Up
• Density of Student
• Michigan Teachers Network Resources
• Science Explosion: “Measurement oh
Measurement”, “Words & Tools of
Measurement”
Videoconferences Available
For more information, see
www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl or call Janine Lim 4717725x101 or email jlim@remc11.k12.mi.us
IV.1.MS.1
Scales & Tales - Environmental Fun with
Measuring from the Lake County Waste
Management District
Instruction
Benchmark Question: How are physical
properties used to describe and compare matter?
Focus Question: How can objects be described
and compared in terms of mass and volume?
Set out several different liquids and solids,
containers of various sizes, and measuring
devices (balance, graduated cylinders and metric
rulers).
Have students create a table, completing the
mass and volume of several of these items.
Have students also discuss the differences in
individual measurements within the class,
focusing on limitations of personal knowledge.
Give students same size plastic containers filled
with different materials. Have the students
order the containers based on mass.
Assessment
Required Assessment:
Given 5 solid objects, the student will be able to find
the mass of each object using a balance.
Given 5 different amounts of liquid, the student will be
able to find the volume of each liquid using a
graduated cylinder or measuring cup.
The teacher will pass out the appropriate measuring
tools and the following items to each group: a piece of
Styrofoam, oil, toothpick, water, molasses, and
marble. Students will calculate the density of these
objects. Students will pour equal amounts of the
liquids into a clear container in order from most dense
to least dense. Then they will drop in the solids from
most dense to least dense. *
Students should then draw and label a picture of
these items when combined in one container and
justify their answers using density calculations.
Finally, students should hypothesize based on the
following: If air is added to the bottom layer of the
container through a straw, what will happen to the air?
*Most dense to least dense is as follows: marble,
molasses, water, oil, toothpick, styrofoam.
(Evaluation rubric available on MI-CLiMB.)
Scoring Rubric
Criteria: Accuracy of layers:
Apprentice Illustrates and labels layers in incorrect
order.
Basic Illustrates and labels some layers in correct
order.
Meets Illustrates and labels all layers in correct order.
Exceeds - Illustrates and labels all layers in correct order
with neatness and accuracy that exceeds expectations.
Criteria: Correctness of explanation:
Apprentice Utilizes density calculations to explain
drawing but fewer than two calculations are correct.
Basic Utilizes density calculations to explain drawing
but only two to three calculations are correct.
Meets Utilizes correct density calculations to explain
drawing.
Exceeds - Utilizes correct density calculations to explain
drawing and shows all work.
Criteria: Correctness of hypothesis:
Apprentice Writes an incorrect hypothesis.
Basic Writes a hypothesis with some inconsistencies.
Meets Writes a complete and correct hypothesis.
Exceeds - Writes a complete and correct hypothesis
based on past experimentation.
Teacher Notes:
Scientists describe and compare objects and substances by measuring them using standardized equipment.
Objects have size (length, area, volume), mass and weight. Substances have density (a property that is
independent of the amount of the substance). (JCISD)
Focus Questions
•
•
•
How can objects be described in terms of mass and volume?
How is the density of an object different from its mass or volume?
When is it appropriate to measure the weight of an object rather than its mass, or density rather than
volume?