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Density Gizmo

Last updated about 5 years ago
23 questions
Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and prompts in the orange boxes.

Vocabulary: density, mass, matter, volume
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
3

List three objects that you think would sink in water.

3

List three objects that you think would float in water.

3

Why do you think some things float and some things sink?

In a new tab/window, please open up www.explorelearning.com then watch the video below to create your Explore Learning "Gizmo" account.
Gizmo Warm-up
3

In the Gizmo, drag the apple onto the Scale. The scale measures mass. Mass is the amount of matter, or “stuff,” in an object.

What is the apple’s mass? (Note: “g” stands for grams.)

An object’s volume is the amount of space it takes up. The volume of an object can be measured by using a graduated cylinder. Observe the graduated cylinder and the blue text showing the volume of water inside the cylinder.
3

What is the starting volume of water in the graduated cylinder?

3

Place the apple into the cylinder. What is the volume in the cylinder now?

The water rises in the cylinder because it is displaced, or pushed upward, by the apple. The amount of displaced water is equal to the volume of the apple.
3

What is the volume of the apple? (Use the Object volume to check.)

Note: Milliliters (mL) are used for liquid volumes, while cubic centimeters (cm3) are used for solids. One mL is the same volume as one cm3. The apple’s volume is measured in cm3.
Question: How do mass and volume affect sinking and floating?
6

Predict: Which objects do you think will float in water? Which do you think will sink? Record your predictions below in the first column of the table.

12

Experiment: Use the Gizmo to find the mass and volume of each object and whether it floats or sinks. Record your results in the table. You will use the graduated cylinder to measure the volume and the beaker to test whether the object sinks or floats.

Analyze results: Look at the data in your tables in question 8 and 9.
3

Can you use mass alone to predict whether an object will sink or float? Explain.

3

Can you use volume alone to predict whether an object will sink or float? Explain.

3

Draw conclusion: Can you use mass and volume to predict whether an object will sink or float in water? Explain your thinking.

Apply: Measure the mass and volume of the toy soldier.
3

Mass:

3

Volume:

3

Will it float or sink?

Use the Gizmo to test your prediction.
Question: How does density tell you whether an object will sink or float?
You can use the calculator below to help with any calculations you need to perform.
5

Calculate: Density is the amount of mass contained in a given volume. To find the density of an object, divide its mass by its volume. Density is recorded in units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3).

What is the density of an object with a mass of 100 g and a volume of 50 cm3?

16

Record data: In the Gizmo, find mass and volume of the objects listed below. Then calculate each object’s density and record it. Finally, test whether each one sinks or floats in water.

3

Draw conclusion: The density of water is 1.0 g/mL, or 1.0 g/cm3. Look at the data in your table. How can you use the density of an object to predict whether it will sink or float?

Question: How does an object behave in different liquids?
7

Observe: Use the Gizmo to explore whether the egg sinks or floats in different liquids. Record what you find in the table below.

3

Draw conclusion: Which liquids are denser than the egg? Which are less dense? Explain your reasoning.

Extend your thinking: Observe the egg in each liquid again.
3

In which liquid does the egg float the highest?

3

In which liquid does the egg sink the fastest?

3

Which liquid do you think is the densest? Least dense? Explain.