Plot the Dot: A Graphical Approach to Density

The Exploratorium

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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. Learners then plot the data points on a large class graph of mass vs. volume to discover that data points for a particular material form a straight line, the slope of which gives the density of the material.

Preparation Time:: Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:: 45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:: $10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:: Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:: Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:: English

Materials List (per group of students)

Glass marbles
Wood pieces (ordinary pine shelving wood)
Steel washers or nuts
PVC pieces
Plastic bags
Balances
Graduated cylinders and/or appropriately calibrated beakers or measuring cups
Water
Large piece of graph paper for plotting graph data
Markers
Labels - 3/4 in diameter circular labels for four different colors
Straightedge
Regular graph paper (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

Mathematics
- Algebra
- Data Analysis and Probability
  - Data Analysis
  - Data Collection
  - Data Representation
- Measurement
  - Units of Measurement
  - Rate
- Representation
The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
  - Problem Solving
Physical Sciences
- Structure and Properties of Matter
  - Mass and Weight
  - Volume and Density
The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
  - Conducting Investigations
  - Gathering Data
  - Formulating Explanations
  - Communicating Results

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

see
see color
read
touch

Learning styles supported:

Involves teamwork and communication skills
Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Don Rathjen's Exploratorium Teacher Institute Activities

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

Rathjen, Don