Name: Date:
Student Exploration: Density Laboratory
Vocabulary: buoyancy, density, graduated cylinder, mass, matter, scale, volume
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
1. Of the objects below, circle the ones you think would float in water. If you
cannot circle them on your computer, simply type the names here:
Beach ball, Cruise Ship
2. Why do some objects float, while others sink? Because the density of the
object is less than the density of water.
Gizmo Warm-up
The Density Laboratory Gizmo™ allows you to measure a variety of
objects, then drop them in water (or other liquid) to see if they
sink or float.
1. An object’s mass is the amount of matter it contains. The
mass of an object can be measured with a calibrated scale
like the one shown in the Gizmo. Drag the first object onto
the Scale. (This is object 1.)
What is the mass of object 1? 19.5 grams
2. An object’s volume is the amount of space it takes up. The
volume of an irregular object can be measured by how much
water it displaces in a graduated cylinder. Place object 1 into
the Graduated Cylinder.
What is the volume of object 1? 14 cm^3
Note: While milliliters (mL) are used to measure liquid volumes, the equivalent unit
cubic centimeters (cm3) are used for solids. Therefore, write the volume of object 1 in
cm3.
, 3. Drag object 1 into the Beaker of Liquid. Does it sink or float? Sink
Student Exploration: Density Laboratory
Vocabulary: buoyancy, density, graduated cylinder, mass, matter, scale, volume
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
1. Of the objects below, circle the ones you think would float in water. If you
cannot circle them on your computer, simply type the names here:
Beach ball, Cruise Ship
2. Why do some objects float, while others sink? Because the density of the
object is less than the density of water.
Gizmo Warm-up
The Density Laboratory Gizmo™ allows you to measure a variety of
objects, then drop them in water (or other liquid) to see if they
sink or float.
1. An object’s mass is the amount of matter it contains. The
mass of an object can be measured with a calibrated scale
like the one shown in the Gizmo. Drag the first object onto
the Scale. (This is object 1.)
What is the mass of object 1? 19.5 grams
2. An object’s volume is the amount of space it takes up. The
volume of an irregular object can be measured by how much
water it displaces in a graduated cylinder. Place object 1 into
the Graduated Cylinder.
What is the volume of object 1? 14 cm^3
Note: While milliliters (mL) are used to measure liquid volumes, the equivalent unit
cubic centimeters (cm3) are used for solids. Therefore, write the volume of object 1 in
cm3.
, 3. Drag object 1 into the Beaker of Liquid. Does it sink or float? Sink
