Exploring the Depths: Inquiry to Apply and Deepen Students’ Understanding of Density

This activity is designed to deepen students\u27 understanding of the concept of density through scientific inquiry. Students devise procedures to determine the relative and absolute (qualitative and quantitative) densities of several solutions of salt water, and establish a class consensus on their results. Students then apply their findings to estimate the density of an unknown solution. The targeted grade-level for this activity is 8 grade physical science. However, because we know students at all grade levels struggle to understand density, this activity could also be useful in high school Earth science and chemistry. This activity promotes National Science Education Content Standards A, B, and G, and Iowa Teaching Standards 1, 2, 3, and 4