Density and displacement
One of the experiments calls for three layers of liquid with different densities, to show the kids how they separate and "float" on top of each other. We used pancake syrup, water with green food coloring, and corn oil. Then it asks them to drop different objects in (carefully) to see where they end up in the suspension, showing how an object will sink to the depth where it has the same density as the fluid around it.
Zander, being Zander, wanted to drop all kinds of stuff in, so we had to talk about how some of his objects also caused displacement in the liquid, and would float in a lighter density liquid than the actual density of the item. We went about it semi-scientifically; when he came up with a new item to try, he and Adon both guessed where it would end up before we dropped it in. We ended up with the following items in our suspension:
- rice
- blueberry
- M&Ms
- Gobstopper
- bottle cap
- Chik-O-Stik
- Lucky Charms marshmallow bit
- marbles
- penny
The boys are working on a "grain elevator" now, I will update with the results later!
