ECE – Density – STEMAZing Systems Thinking

Skittles Science (and M&Ms too)

Key Question How can we create patterns using the dye (coloring) off Skittles and M&Ms? Learning Objectives Children will… identify and create patterns. change different independent variables of the experiment to see what effect it has. Materials Skittles M&Ms Water 3 white plastic bowls Optional: Salt and Sugar

Density: Condiment Packet Cartesian Diver

Using an empty 2-liter bottle, condiment packets (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc), water, salt, and a bowl, children will explore how to make the condiment back rise and fall at their command as they make a Cartesian Diver. Children will also learn about density and the density rule for sinking and floating.

Density: Salty and Sweet

Using a fresh raw egg, water, a tall glass, salt, sugar, 1/2 tsp measuring spoon, and 1 c measuring cup, children will explore whether or not a raw eggs sinks or floats in water. They will then add salt in one experiment and sugar in another to see how that impacts the egg sinking or…

Density: Orange Life Jacket

Using an orange, a large clear bowl, and water, children will explore whether or not an unpeeled orange will sink or float in water. They will then take the peel off the orange and test it again. Children will learn the density rule for sinking and floating.

Density: See Level

Using honey, light corn syrup, dish soap, vegetable oil, water, rubbing alcohol, a tall glass or clear plastic vase, small drinking glass, food baster, glass marble, a grape, paper clip, food coloring (optional), 1/4 c measuring cup, and various other small objects, children will build a six-layer density column and watch as some objects don’t…

Density: Will It Sink or Will It Float?

Using a couple tea light candles, clay, water, a ruler, pencil, and a clear plastic container, children will explore with things that sink and things that float. They will start to understand that weight doesn’t determine if something sinks for float and also learn the density rule for sinking and floating.