Differing Densities: Fresh and Salt Water

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In this activity, learners visualize the differences in water density and relate this to the potential consequences of increased glacial melting. This activity can be conducted as a demonstration and works best as an extension to the activity "Global Climate Change and Sea Level Rise".

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
2 to 4 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • one clear food storage box (approximately 6 inch square)
  • 4 sticks of classroom modeling clay
  • blue food coloring
  • ice cube trays
  • 4-5 intensely colored ice cubes
  • salt
  • 1/2 liter of refrigerated water
  • Differing Densities Worksheet

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
  • Life Sciences
    • Ecology
      • Human Impact
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • States of Matter
      • Changes of Phase
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Risks and Benefits
      • Public Policy
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Technology and the Environment

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

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Access Rights:

  • Free access

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