How to Use Water in a Science Project
Using water for science activities with elementary students is one way to introduce the concept of density. The concept of density can be confusing to elementary students, because it is challenging to determine density by just looking at something. Density is the measure of how tightly or loosely molecules are packed into an object. With water and some interesting objects, density can be explored in the elementary classroom with a group of students.
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Things You'll Need
- Large bucket or aquarium
- 11- and 13-pound bowling balls
- Full can of soda
- Full water bottle
- White paper
- Crayons
- Pencils
Instructions
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Fill a large empty bucket or aquarium with water. Have each elementary student select an item from around the classroom they would like to use for the experiment. Place the objects next to the bucket of water alongside the bowling balls, can of soda and bottle of water.
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2
Explain to students the concept of density and how denser objects will sink in the water and less dense objects will float. Students will guess if an object will float or sink prior to testing it in the water.
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3
Provide each student with a sheet of paper, crayons and a pencil. Have them draw the objects on the paper and create a chart to document results from the experiment. Students should write the names of each object next to its picture, leaving a space by the picture to write their guesses of whether the objects will sink or float. Have students write "yes" and "no" next to the space to document the actual results of the experiment.
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Select an object to test, and guess if it will sink or float. Have students write their guesses on their papers by the object's picture. Place the object in the water and observe the results. Students then document the result by circling "yes" or "no" on their charts.
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Discuss with elementary students why some objects floated and others sank. Have students share what object surprised them by floating.
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Tips & Warnings
Place items in the water gently without splashing. Using an aquarium to do the experiment will allow all students to see the experiment from their desks.
