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In this geology activity, learners create a model using a mixture of salt and sand inside a CD case. When the case is tilted or inverted, the mixture dramatically sorts into a layered pattern.

In this activity, learners discover the primary physical properties used to separate pure substances from mixtures.

In this lab activity, learners explore how to initiate a density current. Learners measure six flasks with different concentrations of salt and water (colored blue).

In this activity, learners discuss the different salinities of oceans, rivers and estuaries.

In this activity, learners work in groups to determine the mass and volume of four samples: glass marbles, steel washers or nuts, pieces of pine wood, and pieces of PVC pipe.

In this demonstration, learners observe the effects of density and pressure. A "diver" constructed out of a piece of straw and Blu-Tack will bob inside a bottle filled with water.

In this math lesson, learners analyze the density of liquids in order to explore linear functions.

In this activity, learners can create five-layer density columns by employing one of three (or all) methods.

Learners observe working lava lamps to understand how they work (included in PDF link).

In this activity, learners build a hot air balloon using just a few sheets of tissue paper and a hair dryer.

In this activity, learners are introduced to robotic submarines called gliders. Learners make “gliders” from plastic syringes and compare these to Cartesian bottles and plastic bubbles.

In this activity, learners make their own heat waves in an aquarium.

In this activity, learners are challenged to design a planktonic organism that will neither float like a cork nor sink like a stone.

In this activity, learners build a speedboat using paint paddles, a propeller, and film canister. Learners attach a simple circuit and motor to the boat to power the propellers.

In this chemistry activity, learners use spaghetti to explore density and chemical reactions.

It's difficult to see convection currents in any liquid that's undergoing a temperature change, but in this Exploratorium Science Snack, you can see the currents with the help of food coloring.

Learners create three solutions with different levels of salinity. They compare the density of these solutions by coloring them and layering them in a clear plastic cup and in a soda bottle.

In this quick and easy activity and/or demonstration, learners illustrate the effect of the weight of air over our heads.

In this two-part activity, learners investigate buoyancy, density and surface area as well as biodiversity and the relationship between the structure and function of organisms.

Making liquids of different densities to perfectly lay on top of each other can be a frustrating exercise. The Exploratorium created this activity as a fool proof way of making a density column.