Density Column Lab (EXTRA CREDIT)
DUE DATE: ____________________________
I BELIEVE THAT THESE DIRECTIONS ARE WRITTEN IN A GOOD ORDER FOR
HOW TO DO THE ENTIRE EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT.
1) CONTAINER: Any type of container that holds your density column so that all layers can be
seen is OK with me
2) LAYERS: You need 4 layers, more extra credit for extra layers
a) Have colored layers – no 2 adjoining layers should be the same color
i) Mixing of substances takes off points – the layers need to be neat and well-defined.
b) At least 3 liquids in the column (unless working in a group – see me 1st)
i) Nothing can be dangerous or stinky, NO MOTOR OIL, NO ANTIFREEZE, NO
OTHER GARAGE CHEMICALS
c) No more than 3 solids in the column, and only one of those can rest on the bottom or top of
the column (unless working in a group – see me first, per direction #6 below)
d) At least 3 different substances (more for groups – see me first, per direction 6 below)
3) CALCULATIONS: Calculate densities- use 3 step method and list color and substance next to
each density problem – find mass and volume using balance and graduated cylinder at school.
a) The calculations must be shown on the page with the drawing or photo of the completed
column.
b) Example: Write the formula
D = m/v (notice the capitalization)
Substitute in the numbers
D = 10 / 20
Substitute in the units
D = 10g/20mL
Write the answer with the units D = .5 g/mL (and you do this for each layer!)
4) ASSEMBLY: Assemble at school or bring in ready to go (no excuses for “scrambled” or
“mixed” columns)
5) DRAWING: Draw a picture of your column, with density and contents of each layer labeled
and colored with proper colors.
a) You can also use properly labeled color photographs
b) Don’t forget to put the density problems next to each layer that they represent!
6) PARTNERS: If you do lab with a partner, you need 7 layers (5 + 2, but see me first, I mean
it!)
2 Oct:
Log: Why does a 3cm thick layer of oil float on top of a 1cm thick
layer of water in the cup that is at the front of the room? Explain
your answer.
Classwork: Review for quiz on the Metric System, Scientific
Method and Lab Safety. Begin Density with Density Problems
#1 – complete for tomorrow (start in class – 7 problems, e.e.)
Homework: Finish studying for the quiz
**** Hand out Conference Portfolio sheet, explain student led
conferences
Evapotranspiration – correct version:
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycleevapotranspiration.html
3 Oct: Log: Density Problems #1 (e.e.) – check key on projector at start of class.
Classwork: Show key for Metric System, Scientific Method and Lab Safety Quiz.
Obtain/begin Density Problems #2 (e.e.).
Homework: Finish Density Problems #2 (e.e.) for Friday.
4 Oct: No School – Conferences from 12-3pm and 4:30-7:30pm.
5 Oct: Log: What is the volume of 20 grams of gold if gold has a density of 19.32 g/cm3 ?
Classwork: Check in/discuss “Density Problems #2.” Discuss density towers (extra credit
on back of plans). Density Lab #1 - solids (begin).
8 Oct: Density lab #1 – solids (discuss work up to this point, then finish). Complete graph and
questions for classwork/homework – due tomorrow unless your group can focus and get
it done today..
9 Oct: Log: If I have a piece of basalt (rock that makes up most of the ocean floor) that has a
density of 8 g/cm3, what would be the density of half of the rock?
Classwork (all): Discuss results of Density Lab #1
Classwork for “left half” of class: Density lab #2 – liquids – complete in class.
Classwork for “right half” of class: Structure of the atom review. “Chemical and Physical
Properties and Changes” – in class.
10 Oct: Classwork for “left half” of class: Structure of the atom review. “Chemical and Physical
Properties and Changes” – in class.
Classwork for “right half” of class: Density lab #2 – liquids – complete in class.
11 Oct: Chemical changes lab from new chemistry unit. End chemistry until LPS purchases
materials for this unit in 2013 portion of this school year.
12 Oct: Begin Plant and cell unit.