Hobbies And Interests
Layers of Liquids
Perform an experiment stacking multiple different types of liquid into a container. Obtain the different types of liquid in the correct order: honey, Karo syrup, dish soap, water, vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol, and lamp oil. Measure out the same amount of liquid for each into separate cups, about 6 to 8 oz. You can add different colors of food coloring to each liquid to have a brighter results. Obtain a large clear container or cylinder. Starting with the honey, pour the liquids into the container without touching the sides of the container. The results are seven liquid layers on top on one another. This occurs because the densities (weight) of the liquids are each different, with the greater liquid density on the bottom of the container. Less dense liquids float on top of the more dense liquids.
Ice Cube Shape
Conduct an experiment to determine which shapes of ice cubes has a faster melting with the same volume of water. Find three containers with different shapes that can hold 500 ml of water. For instance; find a container with a cubed shape, rectangular shape, and half-moon shape. Measure the dimensions of each container. Pour 500 ml of water into each container. Place the containers in the freezer for 6 hours. Remove the containers from the freezer and set a stopwatch. Observe the ice in the containers and record the melting time for each. Containers with less surface area take longer to melt. Create a graph to illustrate the melting times in each container.
Ocean in a Bottle
Create an ocean in a bottle with oil, water and food coloring. The results should look like natural blue waves. This is perfect for elementary-aged students, as it requires only three materials. Fill a clear plastic or glass bottle 3/4 full of water and add blue food coloring. Fill the remaining 1/4 of the bottle (leaving a small space at the top for air) with oil. Tilt the bottle back and forth. The water and oil should not mix, since oil is less dense than water. Be even more creative and add some sea shells or even a small toy boat to make it look like a mini ocean.
Density of Liquids
Conduct an experiment to test the different types of liquids to determine which liquid is more dense, or heavier. Obtain three 200 ml beakers. Label the beakers as "Water," "Corn Syrup" and "Vegetable Oil." Place 150 ml of each into the respective beakers. Place a raisin into each of the beakers. Observe and record results. Indicate if the raisin floated or sank to the bottom. Place a paperclip, penny, wine cork, or any other small object into the liquids and record the results. Indicate which items floated in which liquids. Create a table illustrating the results. The denser the liquid, the easier for objects to float; therefore, more items should float in the vegetable oil.