IPS/Butler University Laboratory School

Earlier in the week I mentioned that we explored a new tool called a hydrometer.  Many of the students theories about saltwater being related to the hydrometer were right on track.  We now know that hydrometers measure density.  We have been exploring the concept of density and we started by using our bodies as an example.  When only 2-3 are on the carpet, the carpet is not very dense.  The students can move around easily and freely.  As we keep adding more and more students the carpet becomes more and more dense and it is harder to move around! Saltwater is more dense than regular water because we are adding salt into the water just like adding bodies to the carpet.

This morning the students were observing a jar with three liquids in it.  One liquid is a dark brown, one is clear, and one is yellowish.  The liquids form layers in the jar.  The students observed the jar and made hypotheses about what liquids they thought it could be.  Some students thought coffee, syrup, lemonade, water, and oil are possibly in the jar.  The students are also curious about why the liquids look separate.  Tomorrow in morning meeting we will test our theories and figure out which liquids we are looking at as well as how this relates to density.  Our scientists are going to be very prepared for our investigation at the Children’s Museum next week!

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