Sinking Water
Source Institutions
-
American Museum of Natural History
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In this experiment, learners float colored ice cubes in hot and cold water. They compare the behavior of the melting ice cubes to understand how temperature is related to ocean currents and how temperature changes water density. The printable eight-page handout includes a series of inquiry-based questions to get learners thinking about how and why water temperature changes along with depth. Illustrated experiment directions and a worksheet help learners use the experiment results to gain a deeper understanding of buoyancy and density.
- 4 to 24 hours
- 45 to 60 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- cold tap water
- hot tap water (110° to 115°F)
- ice cubes
- food coloring
- two one-liter beakers or clear Pyrex jars
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Earth Structure
- Oceans and Water
- Earth Structure
- Physical Sciences
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
- States of Matter
- Solids
- Liquids
- Changes of Phase
- Structure and Properties of Matter
- Volume and Density
- Heat and Thermodynamics
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
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, American Museum of Natural History, ©2002
