Science project
Density Experiment
Density refers to the amount of stuff there is in a given space. Different things have different densities. For example, a cup of water has more stuff in it than a cup of oil. The water is denser. A marble and a ball of the exact same size are made of different amounts of stuff – they have different densities. Do you think the less dense oil will sink in or float on the denser water? Which is denser, the marble or the ball? How can you tell?
Problem:
How do liquids of various densities interact with each other?
Materials:
- Measuring cup
- Clear glass jar (labels removed)
- ½ cup water
- Food coloring
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- Marble
- Small rubber ball of approximately the same size as marble
- Circle of carrot, mini marshmallow, other small objects
Procedure:
- Pour the water into the jar.
- Color it with food coloring.
- Pour the corn syrup into the jar. What happens?
- Carefully pour the oil into the jar. What happens?
- Drop the marble into the jar. Does it float? Sink?
- Drop the ball into the jar. Does it float? Sink?
- Continue dropping objects into the jar and observing what happens.
- What can you tell about the densities of the liquids and the objects?
Disclaimer and Safety Precautions
Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com's liability.
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.
Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com's liability.
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.
Related learning resources
Salt Water Density
Science project
Salt Water Density
The objective of this science fair project is to investigate salt water density.
1st grade
Science project
What is Density?
Worksheet
What is Density?
Little scientists can learn about a fundamental concept of physical science with this worksheet all about density!
2nd grade
Science
Worksheet
Taste Experiment
Worksheet
Taste Experiment
Experiment with your sense of taste and your sense of smell with this simple experiment!
kindergarten
Science
Worksheet
