Density with Intensity

This article presents a guided-inquiry activity where students apply their emerging understanding of density. Students are presented with the question of how different solids and liquids will arrange themselves when placed together. However students are not allowed to physically put them together. With teacher guidance and scaffolding, students determine that they can solve the problem by calculating and comparing the densities of the various substances. This activity would best be used in grades 8-12 in the application phase of the learning cycle, or modified to become a summative assessment for a density unit. This article also discusses the crucial role of the teacher and critical teacher behaviors and interactions to ensure successful implementation of this activity. This article promotes Middle School National Science Education Content Standards A, B, and G, High School National Science Education Content Standards A, B, and G, and Iowa Teaching Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6