Layered Liquids: Chemistry You Can Drink

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In this chemistry activity (on page 2 of the PDF), learners make a layered drink with liquids of different densities. The molecules of a denser liquid, like chocolate syrup, are arranged more compactly than are the molecules of a liquid with less density, like 7-Up. This is why the chocolate syrup sinks to the bottom and the 7-Up rises to the top. This is a take-home version of the display Layered Liquids in the Nature of Matter unit in OMSI's Chemistry Lab.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • a tall, clear glass
  • ice
  • Sprite, 7-Up, or other clear soda
  • chocolate syrup
  • grenadine (optional)
  • whipped cream
  • maraschino cherry
  • a straw

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • taste
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation