Summer Density

Density is a really tough concept to grasp.

We confuse ourselves by referring to our weight all the time when we really mean our mass. (We should not say weighing scales, we mean mass scales!)

Mass is effectively ‘how much stuff’ is there!

Density is how much mass is in a volume (or space).

One way to illustrate density is to pour different liquids ( which have different densities ) on top of each other. The liquids with the greatest density sink to the bottom.

I tried to make a summer ice cream version, but the sprinkles dissolved in the water making it a bit murky looking.

We have a fuller explanation of density here.

The science bit

Each of the liquids have a different mass of molecules or different numbers of parts squashed into the same volume of liquid, this makes them have different densities and therefore one can sit on top of the other – the more dense a liquid is the heavier it is.

Do you think you could float small objects on each of the different levels? We’d love to see a photo if you can.

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If you take any videos of you and your children doing any of our activities please share on G+ and tag us using #ScienceSparks. I’d love to see and share them around.

Spectacular Summer Science

Week 1

Day 1 –  Baking Soda Ice Cubes

Day 2 – Slipping and Sliding

Day 3 – Fun Heart Rate Investigation

Day 4 – Mini Beast Hunt

Day 5  – Pretty Flowers

Week 2

Day 1 – Splatter patterns

Day 2 – Monster Tea Party

Day 3 – Dirty Potatoes