Katherine Brooks and Rhana Vickers
Engage
Demonstrate a two-layered
liquid “parfait” and discuss why
the liquids would stay as 2
separate layers.
Explore
Make a prediction about the layers, then
measure and record data for four different
liquids.
Calculate densities of the four liquids and
relate the densities to the order of layering.
Explain
Ask students to explain their results and
compare them to their predictions.
Have students relate the calculated density to
the order of the layering.
Ask students to write their own definition of
density.
Extend/Expand
Predict the density of a new unknown liquid
and the position in the layers.
Discuss density in relation to sinking/floating,
gravity in space and on the Moon.
Discuss real-world examples of liquid layers.
Brainstorm careers which involve density.
Evaluate
Could students
successfully
determine the
layered position of
the fifth liquid, and
did they explain how
they arrived at their
answer?
Differentiate or extend
Resources
Eichinger, John. Activities Linking Science with
Math 5-8; NSTA Press, 2009, pgs 89 – 97.
Steve Spangler Science
http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experim
ents/density-tower-magic-with-science
0
