Test Density with a Supersaturated Solution

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
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. Learners will also investigate how a liquid's density affects objects that are put into it. This experiment connects with estuary environments (habitats where fresh water and ocean water mix) and also contains a brief discussion of one of the saltiest seas on earth, the Dead Sea in the Middle East.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • a pitcher
  • a long spoon
  • 3 drinking glasses (all the same size)
  • warm water
  • table salt
  • a spoon
  • blue and red food coloring
  • 2 identical soda bottles with a regular neck (not wide)
  • an unsharpened pencil
  • a funnel (that fits inside the top of the soda bottle)
  • a ruler

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
  • Life Sciences
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Ology

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Museum of Natural History,