Lookingat Liquids Unit

ELEMENTARY SCIENCE PROGRAM
MATH, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

A Collection of Learning Experiences on

LOOKING AT
LIQUIDS

CATTARAUGUS-ALLEGANY BOCES GRADES 5/6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Unit Overview ......................................................................................................... 2

Format & Background Information.......................................................................... 2-7

Learning Experience 1 - Getting Started ................................................................ 8-9

Learning Experience 2 - Oobleck – What Is It? ...................................................... 10-11

Learning Experience 3 - States of Matter ............................................................... 12-16

Learning Experience 4 - Comparing Drops and Heaps .......................................... 17-18

Learning Experience 5 - More Drops and Heaps.................................................... 19

Learning Experience 6 - The Paper Clip Game ..................................................... 20

Learning Experience 7 - Breaking the Surface Tension ........................................ 21-22

Learning Experience 8 - Density of Liquids ........................................................... 23-24

Learning Experience 9 - Density Beyond Liquids ................................................... 25-27

Looking at Liquids Student Assessment And Answer Key ..................................... 28-30

More Ideas ............................................................................................................. 31-32

Inquiry & Process Skills .......................................................................................... 33

Glossary ................................................................................................................ 34-35

Teacher References ............................................................................................... 36

Major Science Concepts......................................................................................... 37

1

LOOKING AT LIQUIDS
GRADES 5/6
Unit Overview
Students will investigate the properties of various liquids (e.g. adhesion, cohesion, heaping,
surface tension, mass, density) throughout the course of this unit. Special emphasis will be
placed on observing, manipulating, communicating, collecting data, and predicting. As the
students gain experience, they will develop understanding of the properties of liquids.
Scheduling
This unit may take from nine to eleven weeks to complete depending upon the goals of the
teacher and interests of the students. Use of the section included in this manual called More
Ideas may extend the time span of this kit.
Materials to be
obtained locally: Please make one student activity book for each student.
chart paper transparency markers pencils
notebooks overhead projector scissors
folders transparency calculators
newspapers plastic bags (optional) paper towels
water felt tip markers metric rulers
freezer
Empty soapy water bottles: To make the soapy water fill the bottles with water and add 3-4
drops of liquid soap to the water and shake the bottle to mix them together.
Empty water bottles: Fill these bottles with water for the learning experiences in this unit.
Extra bottles of alcohol, glycerol, cooking oil, and a funnel have been provided for refilling 2
oz. dropper bottles.
Caution
Remind students to wash their hands after handling any of the materials in the kit.
About the Format
Each learning experience is numbered and titled. Under each title is the objective for the
learning experience.
Each learning experience page has two columns. The column on the left side of the page
lists materials, preparation, basic skills processes, evaluation strategy, and vocabulary. The
evaluation strategy is for the teacher to use when judging the students understanding of the
learning experience.
The right column begins with a quot;Focus Questionquot; which is typed in italicized print. The
purpose of the quot;Focus Questionquot; is to guide the teacher's instruction toward the main idea of
the learning experience. The quot;Focus Questionquot; is not to be answered by the students. This
learning experience includes direction for students, illustrations, and discussion questions.
These discussion questions can be used as a basis for class interaction.
A Student Assessment has been included in the Teacher’s Manual and the Student
Activity Manual. If you do not want the students to have the assessment beforehand,
2

remove it from the Student Activity Manual before printing a class set of the student
manuals.
Background Information
Matter makes up the world around us. It is generally stated that there are three states of
matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Plasma, a form of matter consisting of electrically charged
particles under high temperature, is sometimes refered to as the fourth state of matter. All
matter has mass and takes up space, regardless of its state. Each state of matter, however,
does have characteristics of its own.
SOLID LIQUID GAS

SHAPE Definite Shape No definite shape No definite shape

SPACE Takes up definite Takes up a definite Takes up no definite
amount of space amount of space amount of space

SPEED OF Moves very Moves faster than Moves very fast
MOVING slow a solid
PARTICLES

Substances change their state due to changes in their energy. We measure change in
energy by measuring temperature. Moving molecules have kinetic energy called heat. The
more energy the molecules have available to them the faster they move. The less energy
that is available to the molecules, the slower they move. The faster the molecules move, the
farther apart they get. If the molecules are spaced wide apart and are moving quickly, the
substance is a gas. If energy is taken away, the molecules slow down and move closer
together. If the molecules are tightly packed together, the substance is a solid. Even though
the molecules of a solid are close together and arranged in a pattern, the molecules are still
moving (vibrating), but they do not change their position so a solid keeps its shape. The
molecules of liquids are not as tightly packed together as those of solids or as loosely as
those of gases. Therefore, liquid has no definite shape, and it takes the shape of the
container it is in. Liquids do have a definite volume or take up a definite amount of space.
Liquids move in a current or stream, and they can be described by their resistance to flow or
viscosity. The temperature at which a substance changes from a solid to a liquid is its
melting point. The temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas is its
boiling point.

3

Water Molecules

Steam – water
molecules in a
gas state
Liquid water
Molecular model of
molecules
an ice crystal.

Energy Level

Changes in States of Matter

Name of Change Changes in State Direction of Heat Example
Energy
Condensation Gas to Liquid Heat Lost Water vapor
condenses on a cold
glass
Freezing Liquid to Solid Heat Lost Water becomes ice in
a freezer
Evaporation Liquid to Gas Heat Gained Boiling water
evaporates as steam
Melting Solid to Liquid Heat Gained Ice melts at room
temperature
Sublimation Solid to Gas Heat Gained Dry ice sublimates to
Gas to Solid Heat Loss form carbon dioxide.
No liquid is produced.

The properties of liquids are addressed in several learning experiences in this unit. One of
these properties is cohesion. Cohesion is the force of attraction between like molecules.
Once the molecules that are attracted to each other get together, they tend to stay together.
Water molecules are an example of molecules that have strong cohesive forces. Water
molecules are strongly attracted to other water molecules. Water forms droplets, or small
units of water, when poured or spilled, and when pushed toward each other these water
droplets seem to jump together to form larger droplets. Alcohol droplets, however, cohere
weakly to other alcohol molecules. Because drops of water are strongly attracted to each
other (strong cohesive forces), when two drops of water on waxed paper are led very near
each other, they seem to jump together and grab on to each other. Drops of alcohol do not
demonstrate this same property. This is because the cohesive forces of alcohol are weak.

Glycerol has strong cohesive forces and should have quot;grabbyquot; drops, but the glycerol is so
thick (viscous) that this ability to grab onto another glycerol molecule is impaired.

4

Depending on its cohesion, the liquids will form high, round drops or low, flat drops.
Cohesion allows the drops to hold onto one another and form its semicircle shape.
The drops of water and glycerol are high and round and are often called quot;hemispheresquot;.
Alcohol and soapy water forms the lowest, flattest drops.
Adhesion describes the forces of attraction between molecules of different substances. If
you drop a pencil into water, the water will adhere to the pencil as it is removed. Glue is a
substance that adheres to paper. The previous examples illustrate adhesive properties or
adhesion – forces of attraction between molecules of different substances.
Alcohol drops and oil drops adhere well to waxed paper- much better than water or glycerol.
The alcohol leaves a noticeable trail down the waxed paper. Glycerol drops adhere slightly to
the waxed paper but its strong cohesive forces keep it together. Drops of water do not
adhere to the wax paper. They roll down the waxed paper freely, and it stays in its quot;dropquot;
shape due to its strong cohesive forces.
Heaping
A liquid placed in a container (medicine cup) will heap as the liquid reaches the rim. When a
liquid is being heaped into a container, there is a point at which just one more drop will cause
the liquid to spill over the side. This point depends on three properties of the liquids: the
density of the liquid, the viscosity of the liquid (thickness), and the strength of the cohesive
forces.

If we were to heap water and glycerol, their profiles would be almost identical. They heap the
highest. Both liquids show the effects of strong cohesive forces and both have a greater
density than alcohol. In addition, glycerol is much thicker or more viscous than the other
liquids. Alcohol has very weak cohesive forces and spills over the side before it heaps much
above the rim of the cap. This heaping can be compared to the high hemisphere drops of the
water and glycerol and the low, flat drops of the alcohol and soapy water.

Drop Size
Drop size is observed as the liquids are falling from the dropper. Water drops and glycerol
drops are about the same size. Alcohol drops are much smaller. Alcohol drops are small
because of the cohesive forces in alcohol are weak. The alcohol drops in the dropper let go
of each other easily so the drops break into smaller portions. The opposite is the case for the
water drops. The cohesion is so strong that it does not break apart into such small parts. It
sticks together to form larger drops.

Surface Tension
All liquids have surface tension. Some liquids have stronger surface tension than others.
The surface tension of water results from the cohesive forces of water molecules. A water
molecule in the middle of a body of water is subjected to this cohesive force from all sides. A
water molecule on the surface of water cannot be pulled by water molecules above it.
Therefore, this pull is strengthened in other directions (sides, below), and it is tougher to pull
apart the layer that is formed. There is a net inward force since there is no force acting from
above the molecule. An elastic quot;skinquot; or film is formed on the surface. Surface tension
allows water to hold up substances heavier and denser than itself. A paper clip carefully
placed on the surface of water will float due to surface tension. An aquatic insect, like the

5

water strider, that moves along the surface of the water relies on surface tension to walk on
the water.

Water molecules surrounded by Water molecules on the surface
other water molecules below the surface

Effects of Soap on Water
Soap added to water reduces the cohesive forces between water molecules, thus greatly
reducing the strong surface tension of water. When soapy water drops are made on waxed
paper, they will be flatter than plain water drops. Lower cohesion accounts for this. Soapy
water washes things better than plain water because soapy water allows an item to wet more
thoroughly. For example, with clothing, soapy water flows more easily into the clothes and
more deeply into the fabric. Therefore, more dirt mixes with the water and it is rinsed out.
Many detergents contain quot;wetting agentsquot; designed to reduce surface tension and to increase
fabric penetration by water.

Plain Water Soapy Water
(cohesion) (reduced cohesion)

Effects of Alcohol on Water
When alcohol drops are added to a dish of water, the water seems to boil or shimmer.
Students may observe this and say that the water is moving. There are two reasons why this
is occurring. One reason is that the alcohol molecules are getting between water molecules
and are pulling them apart. The movement is seen along the border of the two liquids.
Another reason this apparent movement is happening is due to the high evaporation rate of
alcohol. As the alcohol evaporates quickly from the water’s surface, the fumes mix with the
air along the surface to produce the “boiling” effect.
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. Mass is measured by comparing
the object’s mass with a standard mass. Therefore, some sort of a balance scale is needed to
measure mass. It is important that students understand that mass does not equal weight.
Weight is the measure of gravitational pull on an object. Therefore, weight will vary with
gravitational force. If you measure the weight of an object on the Earth and then measure the
weight of the same object on the moon, the object would weigh less due to the fact that the
force of gravity is different on the moon verses the Earth. However, the mass of the object
would be the same on the Earth and on the moon because the amount of matter in the object
remains constant.

6

Density is the measure of the “compactness” of a material. It is the ratio of mass to volume
for any material. It is usually measured in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) and tells how
much matter is packed into a given space. Density is not a simple comparison of the
“heaviness” or lightness” of materials. It is instead, a comparison of the “heaviness” or
“lightness” of the same volume (mass per unit volume). The larger the amount of the
substance that is packed into a certain volume or space, the more dense the substance is.
The density of a material is determined by the masses of the atoms in the material and the
amount of space between the atoms. Gases have a low density not only because the atom
making up the gases have a small mass, but also because there is a large amount of space
between the atoms. The heavy metals like gold, lead, and uranium are very dense because
the atoms they are composed of are massive and spaced closely together.
Water has a density of one gram per cubic centimeter (1 g/ cm³) at 3.98 degrees Celsius and
water is the standard for comparing the density of materials. Materials with a density greater
than one gram per cubic centimeter are denser than water and will sink in water; materials
with a density that is less than one gram per cubic centimeter will float in water. Lead has a
density of 11.3 grams per cubic centimeter (11.3 g/cm³). This tells us it is more than eleven
times as dense as water. It also means that a hundred grams of lead would have eleven
times less volume than a hundred grams of water (atoms in lead are much more closely
packed together so they take up less space.) Oil floats on the surface of water because it is
less dense than water. Glycerol sinks in water because it is more dense than water.

Displacement
In order for an object to be submerged in a liquid, the object must push aside or displace
some of the liquid it is contained in. This is called displacement. Volume of an object can be
determined by displacement. Let’s say that 10 mL of liquid is placed in a graduated cylinder.
If an object is dropped into the cylinder, the water level appears to go up, even though no
more water was added to the cylinder. This is due to the fact that the object has “displaced”
or pushed aside some of the liquid when it was put into the container. If the object is
submerged, it will displace the object’s volume. Therefore, if there was 10 mL of liquid before
the object was placed in the fluid and the measurement of the liquid in the cylinder is 14 mL
after the object is placed in the fluid then subtracting 14 mL from 10 mL would equal how
much space the object took up in the cylinder. Since the definition of volume is “the amount
of space taken up by an object” it can be concluded that the volume of the object placed in
the fluid is 4 mL.

7

Learning Experience 1: Getting Started
Objective: Students will discuss their background knowledge of liquids and
contribute ideas to a quot;How to Succeedquot; chart.

What do we know about liquids?
Materials:
How can making a list on “How to Succeed”
For the class:
help you during our study of Looking At
Chart paper*
Liquids?
Felt tip makers*
Notebooks*
Using the KWHL Strategy, students will
Folders* explore their knowledge about liquids and
then expand on it throughout the unit.
*provided by teacher Brainstorm what all the students already
“know” about the liquids they will be studying.
Preparation: Record their ideas on a class-size KWHL
Each student should obtain a notebook
chart. Ask students to think about these
and a folder with pockets to hold the
liquids and decide what is it about these
activity sheets for this unit. Create a liquids they would like to know more about
KWHL chart to post in the classroom.
concerning liquids and record their ideas
under the “want to know” column. Now that
Basic Skills Development: the students have decided what they want to
Reading know, they need to think about “how they
Writing are going to find out” the answers to the
Discussing
questions they have. After the hands-on
Listening
activities, maintaining journals, and
Brainstorming
discussions, students can then record
information into the “what we learned and
Evaluation Strategy: still want to learn” column. This process
Students will contribute ideas to
can also be done in cooperative groups
complete a KWHL chart and a “How to
where students gather information in small
Succeed” chart for use during this unit.
groups and then share their ideas with the
class.
Vocabulary:
Learn
succeed Explain to students that the learning
observe experiences in this unit has them working with
strategy various materials. They will be sharing
materials with a partner. They will be
completing several activity sheets that go
along with the learning experiences.
Brainstorm with students what they should be
ready to do to complete this unit successfully.
Use the “How To Succeed” information on
page 9 as a guide. Create a classroom chart
and post it in the classroom so students are
reminded of these responsibilities.

8

Learning Experience 1 continued
Page 2

KWHL Strategy

What we know What we want to How are we going to What we learned and
know find out still want to learn

HOW TO SUCCEED

1. Make sure you have all the necessary materials ready for each learning experience.
2. Keep your materials and work area clean and your notebook neat and organized.
3. Cooperate with your partner. Each person should participate in these learning
experiences.
4. Read the questions and directions carefully. Ask for help if you do not understand what
you are to do.
5. Observe and measure accurately and write down your observations.
6. Use your time wisely.
7. Be careful. Use the equipment correctly.
8. Stick to your job. Do not give up.
9. Try new ways to do the learning experiences. Discuss your observations and ideas with
your classmates.

9

Learning Experience 2: Oobleck-What is it?
Objective: Students will determine the properties of the Oobleck and decide whether
Oobleck is a solid or a liquid and support their decision with evidence from
their observation.

Materials: Is Oobleck a solid or a liquid?
For each student:
Oobleck is a substance that is a mystery.
9 oz. clear plastic tumbler (plastic bags*
Scientists have not decided if it is a liquid or a
could also be used)
solid. It is a strange substance that flows like
For the class: a liquid but resists pressure like a solid. This
3 boxes of cornstarch learning experience provides students the
Food coloring opportunity to make observations and arrive
Large wooden dowel at conclusions supported by data.
Large bucket
Oobleck recipe (for 30 students): 3 boxes of
Measuring cup
cornstarch, 2 1/3 - 3 cups of water, 20 drops
Water*
of food coloring.
Newspaper*
Paper towels* The Oobleck recipe is to be mixed in the large
Chart paper* bucket provided. Oobleck should be mixed
Felt tip markers* with the large dowel provided. The mixture
should flow when tipped but feel solid when
*provided by the teacher
your hit it or rub your hand across it.
Approximately ½ cup of the substance is then
Preparation:
to be transferred to the clear plastic tumblers
Read background information on the
for students to touch and explore the
states of matter on pages 3 and 4.
substance.
Mix Oobleck ahead of class and decide
how it will be distributed to students. Left over Oobleck can be set aside until it is
Cover all work areas with newspaper. dry and then thrown into the trash.
Leave room on the chart created in this DO NOT POUR OOBLECK IN THE SINK. IT
learning experience for a brainstorm on WILL CLOG DRAINS.
“gases” which is done in Learning
Brainstorm with students the differences
Experience #3.
between solids and liquids. Use the chart on
page 3 of this guide to help with this
Basic Skills Development:
Discussing brainstorm. Once students have a clear
Observing concept of the differences between the two
Describing states of matter, explain that we are going to
look at a substance that could be one or
Evaluation Strategy: another, and they will need to decide what it
Students will determine whether is.
Oobleck is a solid or a liquid and
The book Bartholomew and the Oobleck by
support their position.
Dr. Seuss may be found in your school library
Vocabulary: and could be read to students before the
solid Oobleck is distributed.
liquid
As a follow-up to the learning experience,
gas
students can write persuasive pieces of
10

Page 2
writing supporting their opinions of Oobleck as a liquid or a solid. Students could also
participate in a debate defending their opinion of Oobleck as a solid or liquid.

Discussion Questions:
Can the Oobleck bend, break, roll, etc?
Do you think it is it a solid or a liquid and why?
What do you think Oobleck is made of?
What would happen if we added more water to the Oobleck? More cornstarch?
What do you think would happen if we heated the Oobleck or froze the Oobleck?
What do you think would happen if we let the Oobleck sit out overnight?

11

Learning Experience 3: States of Matter
Objective: Students will explain the differences between the three states of matter and
how matter changes from one state to the other.

How can we compare the three states of
Materials:
matter?
For each student:
Looking at Liquids Student Activity Book
In Learning Experience #2, students
Pencil*
brainstormed the differences between solids
Scissors*
and liquids. In this learning experience,
For the class: students are to continue their brainstorm by
Thermometer comparing gases to solids and liquids. After
2 clear plastic jars the chart is completed, review with the
Food coloring students the ideas they have generated.
9 oz. clear plastic tumbler
Candle Students are going to create a graphic
Measuring cup organizer to record specific information about
Box of matches the three states of matter. A diagram of the
Aluminum pan graphic organizer is found on the activity
Chart from Learning Experience #2 sheet for Learning Experience #3 in the
Water* Looking at Liquids Student Activity Book.
Transparency – chart pg. 4*
Overhead projector* Directions for the graphic organizer:
Paper towels*
Freezer* Hold the paper horizontally and fold the paper
3 different transparency markers* at the line that says “fold.”
Fold
*provided by teacher
Preparation:
Read background information on states Cut
of matter on pages 3 and 4. Have the
Cut
chart that was started in Learning
Experience #2 available so it can be
completed. Prepare the two clear plastic
jars. Fill one jar with warm water and fill
the other jar halfway with warm water.
Cut the left side of the paper into three equal
Add a few drops of food coloring to both
strips. If you are holding the paper so the fold
jars. Place both jars in the freezer
is on the left side, you will notice that the half
overnight. Have a cup of warm water
of the paper that has been cut act like “flaps”.
also on hand for this learning experience.
If you pull the flaps to the side, you will notice
Basic Skills Development: that it only reveals part of the other half of the
Discussing paper.
Recording data
Predicting
Observing
Brainstorming
12

Page 2
Instruct students to write solid, liquid, and gas
Evaluation Strategy:
on each flap.
Students will identify and compare the
three states of matter. Students will
explain how the transfer of energy is
necessary for matter to change from one
state to another
SOLID
Vocabulary:
solid
LIQUID
liquid
gas
evaporation
GAS
condensation
molecule
Picture of molecules

Shape-
Space-
Feel-

Shape-
Space-
Feel-

Shape-
Space-
Feel-

Students will note in their graphic organizer
specific information about each state of
matter.

Discuss with students the information on the
chart that they brainstormed about each state
of matter. Circle or highlight anything on the
chart that refers to the shape of a solid. As a
class, come to the conclusion that a solid
does have a “definite shape.” Continue
looking at the chart for items that refer to the
space and feel of a solid. Circle information
about space in one color and circle the
information about feel in another color.
Complete the same information same for
liquids and gases. Use the chart on page 3 of
this guide to help focus this discussion.
13

Page 3
After the information on space, shape, and feel of each state of matter has been recorded,
students are to draw what the molecules of water as a solid, liquid, and gas would look like in
the column titled “Picture of Molecules”. Students are to use the following diagram to
represent a water molecule.

Hydrogen Hydrogen

Oxygen

Water molecule (H20)
Use the background information on pages 3 and 4 of this guide to help focus students on
what their pictures would look like. The molecules of the solid are tightly packed together and
barely move around (vibrate). Molecules of liquid move around more quickly and are not as
packed together. Connect this with the fact that liquid (water) does not have a definite shape
but a solid (ice) does. Gas molecules are moving very quickly and are spread far apart.
Again, no definite shape. Gases also have no definite shape and take up no definite space
because the molecules are spread so far apart and are moving so quickly.
Session 2:
In preparation for this session of Learning Experience #3, one of the clear plastic jars was to
be filled with colored water and placed in the freezer. Another capped plastic jar was to be
filled halfway with colored water and placed in the freezer. Also, have a plastic tumbler filled
with warm water available. Now that students have a concept of how the states of matter are
different, begin a discussion with students of how the states of matter change from one state
to the other. To begin, you may want to brainstorm with students a list of things that change
(ex. leaf colors, animal growth, seasons, etc.).
Show students that you have water in two of its states – solid (ice) in two clear jars and liquid
(water) in a clear plastic 9 oz tumbler.
How did the solid (ice) get to the state it is in? (water in its liquid state was frozen – heat
loss)
Take the temperature of the jars containing ice and the warm water and record them on the
chalkboard. Refer to these temperatures when discussing both melting and condensation.
The warmer temperature causes the ice to melt however, the cooler temperature causes the
condensation to form.

Students are to predict what will happen if the warm water is poured into the container half
filled with ice. As a teacher demonstration, pour in the warm water in the jar half filled with
14

Page 4
ice and observe. Students should begin to see the ice melting due to the warm water. The
color from the ice will begin to mix into the warm water to further illustrate this concept.
Discuss the results and why they are occurring. The melting of the ice shows the solid has
gained heat and it is turning back into a liquid. The jar can be passed around the class so
students can get a closer look.
Turn the attention to the jar filled with ice. Students should be noticing beads of water
forming on the outside of this jar. Students should predict where this water is coming from. If
students wipe water on the outside of the jar, they will not see any food coloring which should
indicate to them that it is not coming from the inside of the jar. (The condensation forming on
the outside of the jar is due to cooling of the water vapor in the air. The cooling of the water
vapor (gas), due to heat loss turns into a liquid. These liquid drops are the beads of water
found on the outside of the jar. The jar may be passed around the room so students can take
a closer look at what is happening.)
Depending upon the time of year this learning experience is done, the amount of
condensation on the outside of the jar will vary. If it is completed in the winter months, the air
is very dry, therefore, less water vapor is in the air so there will be less condensation on the
jar. Students will have to look closely for it. However, if it is done on a day with more
humidity in the air, more condensation will form on the jar. This concept can be a basis for
further discussion. Students may begin to think of the condensation that forms on a mirror in
the bathroom after someone takes a hot shower. The water vapor in the air is great,
therefore, there is quite a bit of condensation that forms on the mirror. As the jars are being
passed around, students could also breathe on the jars and see the condensation form. The
water vapor that is in our breath cools near the ice filled jar and turns into water drops on the
jar.
Students, as a class, can create a chart similar to the one on page 4 of this guide to help the
students see how the heat transfer changes matter from one state to another. The
discussion of sublimation may be more difficult if students are not familiar with dry ice. An
overview of the sublimation may be all that is needed.
What other materials have you seen change from one state to another?
Are there any items that you can think of that you’re not sure what state of matter they are?
(Example – clay, malleable solid)
What do you see on the outside of the jar?
Where did these drops come from?
If students are saying the water came from the inside of the jar, wipe the water off with a
paper towel to show no coloring from the water.)
Have you ever seen condensation form in a real life situation?
Discussion Question:
In what real life situations is evaporation helpful? (ex. drying clothes outside)

15

Page 5
When trying to show students the concept of evaporation, place a thin layer of water on the
bottom of the aluminum pan. Hold the pan over a lighted candle and observe as the water
boils. Students should begin to see the steam. It is similar to what they see when water boils
on a stove. Students should respond to the fact that the steam coming off of the boiling water
is an indication of the evaporation occurring. It is due to the heat gain from the flame.

How does evaporation occur in nature?
What is the heat source?
In what real life situation is evaporation helpful? (drying clothes, hair, etc.)
Can you think of any way that evaporation would be harmful?
How would we get this water vapor that just evaporated back into a liquid state? (remove
heat – condensation)

16

Learning Experience 4: Comparing Drops and Heaps
Objective: Students will compare the drops and heaps of various liquids and
determine how and why they are similar or different.

How can we compare drops of different
Materials:
liquids?
For each pair of students:
2 Looking at Liquids Student Activity
Student pairs should investigate to find the
Books
answers to the questions on the activity sheet
Dropper bottle of water
for Learning Experience #4 in the Looking at
Dropper bottle of cooking oil
Liquids Student Activity Book. Discuss the
Dropper bottle of glycerol
outcomes. (A list or chart of similarities and
Dropper bottle of alcohol
differences between the liquids may help
Dropper bottle of soapy water
students recognize some of the properties of
2 pieces of wax paper
the liquids.) Have students repeat Learning
(approx. 20cm. x 30cm.)
Experience #4 with aluminum foil instead of
2 pieces of aluminum foil
the wax paper. Make a comparison chart
(approx. 20cm. x 30cm.)
comparing the liquids on wax paper and
C-whip container
aluminum foil.
2 cardboard trays
For the class:
Bottle liquid soap Liquids Drops, Heaps and Adhesion
Water*
waxed paper aluminum foil
Chart paper*
water
Felt tip markers*
Newspapers* oil
glycerol
Preparation:
Read background information on alcohol
cohesion and adhesion on pages 4 and
soapy water
5. Have each student use their
cardboard tray to set liquids on.
Dropper bottles labeled “water” and
“soapy water” will need to be filled. See Discussion Questions:
instructions for soapy water on page 2. What do you notice about the water drops in
Work area should be flat; if necessary, comparison to the alcohol drops? To the
covered with newspaper. Students glycerol drops?
should be able to observe the drops of What did you notice about the drops of water
the liquid from the top and from the side as you added more drops to it?
(profile). Students can store all Which liquid seemed to stick to the wax paper
materials in their C-whip containers for as it rolled down it? Which liquid did not
future learning experiences. appear to stick to the wax paper at all?
What are the differences between the results
you had with the wax paper and with the
Recording data Discussing
aluminum foil?
Following Directions
Observing Describing
Interpreting Data
17

Page 2
Students will identify the similarities and
differences between the drops and
heaps of various liquids.

Vocabulary:
profile
cohesion
adhesion
alcohol
glycerol
viscous

18

Learning Experience 5: More Drops and Heaps
Objective: Students will observe and describe how the forces in liquids affect the
heaping and drop size of the liquids.

Materials:
How can you find out if all drops are the same
size?
Books
Student pairs should investigate to find the
2 medicine cups
answers to the questions on the activity sheet
Dropper bottle of water
Liquids Student Activity Book.
2 cardboard trays
Piece of waxed paper (approx. 20cm x
Discuss the outcomes.
30cm)
For the class: Help the students make generalizations about
Bottle liquid soap the size of drops, different surfaces, and
Water* “heaping.” Connect with students in the
Newspapers* discussion the relationship between these
properties and the cohesion and adhesion of
these liquids.
Preparation:
Read background information on drop Discussion Questions:
size, heaping, and effects of soap on Why do the water drops heap higher than the
water on pages 5 and 6. Keep medicine soapy water drops?
cups clean and soap free for each Does cohesion play into the reason of why
learning experience. Have each student the water drops are larger than the soapy
use their cardboard tray to set liquids on. water drops? How?
Explain how drop size relates to the number
of drops it took to fill the medicine cup to the 5
Discussing
mL. mark.
Describing
How do you think alcohol and glycerol would
Interpreting Data
have acted in this learning experience? What
Counting
are the reasons behind your predictions?
Measuring
(As a teacher demonstration, heaping the
glycerol and alcohol in a medicine cup may
Predicting
also help students see the relationship
between heaping ability and drop size.
Students will determine that there is a
relationship between drop size and
heaping ability and the cohesion and
adhesion of liquids and explain that
relationship.
Vocabulary:
adhesion
cohesion
heaping ability
hemisphere 19

Learning Experience 6: The Paper Clip Game
Objective: Students will investigate the surface tension of water and explain what
causes it to occur.

How can you float a paper clip?
Materials:
Have student pairs fill their clean plastic
tumbler half full of water. Students will
attempt to float a paper clip by creating a
Books
cradle with one of the paper clips and placing
9 oz clear plastic tumbler
the other paper clip on the cradle. The cradle
2 paper clips (unused and clean)
is then lowered slowly into the water. Once
the clip is floating, the cradle is to be
2 cardboard trays
removed. This may take several tries to get
the paper clip to float. Students need to be
For the class:
Water* sure that the paper clip is lying flat as it is
Newspapers* placed on the water. Students are to also be
careful not to bump their desks as they are
trying this learning experience.
Preparation:
Read background information on surface
tension and the effects of soap on water
on pages 5 and 6.
A demonstration of how to float the
paper clip may be necessary. Some
students will find other ways to float the
paper clip than the one illustrated. Have
each student use their cardboard tray to
set liquids on. Students should save
the 9 oz clear plastic tumbler from
Student pairs are to find the answers to the
this activity to be used in their Knex
questions on the activity sheet for Learning
balance in Learning Experience #8.
Experience #6 in the Looking at Liquids
Basic Skills Development: Student Activity Book. Discuss the outcomes.
Reading
As a class, agree upon a working definition of
Discussing
surface tension. This definition can be posted
Writing
in the room for reference when completing
Observing
Learning Experience #7.
Describing
Following Directions Discussion Questions:
Why is the paper clip able to float on the
Evaluation Strategy: water?
Students will describe how surface What happens if one drop of soapy
tension allows a paper clip to float on the water is added to the water “floating” the
surface of the water. paper clip?
What does the drop of soapy water do
Vocabulary:
to the water to make the paper clip sink?
surface tension
molecules
20
cohesion

Learning Experience 7: Breaking the Surface Tension
Objective: Students will observe and describe how soap effects the surface tension of
water.

Materials: What does soapy water or alcohol do to the
For each pair of students: surface tension of water?
Spool of thread
Dropper bottle of soapy water Student pairs should fill two petri dishes full of
Dropper bottle of alcohol water and one petri dish with only a thin layer
3 petri dishes of water in it. Have students cut a 15cm. –
Newspapers* 20cm. piece of thread. Take one piece of
Water* thread and tie the ends together to form a
Scissors* loop. Cut off the extra thread near the knot.
In the first petri dish full of water, ask students
to carefully place the thread loop on the
For the class:
surface of the water.
Dropper bottle of food coloring
Container of baby powder
Petri dishdish
Preparation: Petri
Read background information on surface
tension, the effects of soap on water,
and the effect of alcohol on water on
pages 5 and 6. Petri dishes must be
clean and free of soap.

Water
Discussing
Predicting Thread
Ask half of the class to place a drop of soapy
Observing
water into the center of the floating loop of
Describing
thread, and ask the other half of the class to
place a drop of soapy water outside the loop.
Discuss the results.
Students will explain how soapy water
and alcohol effect the surface tension of
In the second petri dish full of water, tell
water.
students you will come around to their groups
and sprinkle baby powder lightly over the
Vocabulary:
surface. Ask students to observe the powder
surface tension
on the surface carefully because with the
powder they can clearly see the “skin” effect
of the surface tension. Have students predict
what will happen if a drop of soapy water is
placed on the edge of the dish and in the
middle of the dish.
21

Page 2
Place a drop of soapy water on the side of the petri dish first. The students should notice the
powder move to the other side of the petri dish. Then drop the soapy water in the center of
the petri dish with the powder. Discuss the results.

If there is some baby powder still on the surface of the water in the second petri dish,
students may want to add a few drops of alcohol to it and observe what happens.

The third petri dish should only have a thin layer of water in it. Tell students you will come
around and add a drop of food coloring to the water. Make sure the colored water is spread
as thinly as possible, but still covering the bottom of the petri dish. Students should place a
drop of alcohol in the center of the layer of water and observe. Discuss the results.

What is holding the thread and powder on the surface of the water?
What happens to the surface tension of water when soap is added?
What happens to the thin layer of colored water when a drop of alcohol is placed in the center
of the water?
How does the alcohol’s reaction with water compare to the soapy water’s reaction?

Groups should think back to their working definition of surface tension from Learning
Experience #6 and refine it after observing the activities in Learning Experience #7. Groups
should share their definitions of surface tension with the class. The class definition of surface
tension can then be revised.

22

Learning Experience 8: Density of Liquids
Objective: Students will find the density of water, oil, and glycerol using the
equation: Density = Mass/Volume and explain the relationship between the
density of the liquids and the order in which the liquids layer.

Which liquid has the greater density: oil,
Materials:
water, or glycerol?
Density is defined as the mass of an object
Books
per unit volume. Ask students to explain what
K’nex balance (to be assembled by
they think density is in their own words. Once
students)
students have attempted this, discuss their
Direction card for Knex balance
thoughts and ideas as a class. Write any
2 9 oz clear plastic tumblers
information that they come up that is correct
Pkg. of gram masses
on a piece of chart paper. Use the
3 medicine cups
background information on density on pages
Dropper bottle of glycerol
6 and 7 to help you.
Dropper bottle of cooking oil
Dropper bottle of water Show students the formula for density.
2 plastic eyedroppers (Density = Mass/Volume) Using the
Piece of modeling clay background information on pages 6 and 7 of
Calculator* this teacher’s guide, discuss with students the
Chart paper* meaning of this formula and how the ideas
Felt tip markers* they came up with relate to this formula.
Water*
Students should complete the activity sheet
Liquids Student Activity Book. Students will
Preparation:
find the densities of the liquids and see how
Read background information on density
density relates to why liquids layer as they do.
on page 7. Assembly of the Knex
balance is necessary for this learning
Discussion Question:
experience. A direction card for
Use the findings and questions on the activity
assembly of the balance for each pair of
sheet as the basis of discussion.
students is included in the kit. One Knex
balance that has already assembled has
(These are approximate densities)
also been included as a model for
students constructing their own balance.
Mass Volume Density
Students should keep the balance they Glycerol 17 15 mL 1.13
have assembled for Learning Cooking Oil 11 15 mL .73
Experience #9. A review for the Water 15 15 mL 1.0
students on how the balance works may
be necessary. Discuss where the
fulcrum is located and that the use of
modeling clay maybe needed to help Cooking oil
level the balance. Place the modeling
clay on only one end of the balance. Water
Glycerol
23

Page 2

Moving the modeling clay toward or Students will find that there is only one way
away from the end of the balance, it is these liquids will layer due to their densities.
easier to find the right amount to level
the balance. If students question why density is
represented on the chart in units of g/cm³ and
Fulcrum may also help in leveling the we are dividing grams (g) by milliliters (mL),
balance. Students will need to know explain that 1 mL is equal to 1 cm³. Density
how to compare decimals (<, >) in is usually shown in units of g/cm³ instead of
order to make predictions on how the g/mL. Learning experience #9 addresses this
liquids will layer. issue and shows students why 1 mL = 1 cm³.
Interpreting Data
Gathering Data
Inferring
Discussing
Predicting
Measuring

Students will find the density of three
liquids and compare the actual
densities to how the liquids layer.

Vocabulary:
density
contaminate
decant
mass
volume
balance
fulcrum
horizontal
level
modeling clay

24

Learning Experience 9: Density Beyond Liquids
Objective: Students will find the density of various objects using the equation
Density = Mass/Volume. Students will find the volume of various objects by
using a ruler or by using displacement.

How do you find the density of an object?
Materials:
Discuss with students the meaning of volume
of an object. The volume of an object
Books
indicates how much space the object
Small square block of wood
occupies.
Large square block of wood
8d nail
If the object is rectangular or square in
White marble
nature, a ruler can be used to measure the
Gradulated cylinder
length, width, and height of an object.
K’nex balance
Centimeter cube
Volume = length x width x height
Metric ruler*
Calculator*
Give each pair of students a ruler and a 1 cm
Water*
cube. Ask each student to measure the
Chart paper*
length, width, and height of the cube. Write
Felt tip markers*
these numbers on chart paper and give the
*provided by teacher equation for volume. As a class, find the
volume of the cube.
Preparation:
Read background information on
Volume = length/1 cm x width/1 cm x
density and displacement on page 7.
height/1 cm = 1 cm³
Review with students how they found
the density of the liquids in Learning A second way to find the volume of an object
Experience #8. Students should is to measure the amount of fluid it displaces
disassemble the K’nex balance once when it is submerged. If an object is placed
they have completed this learning in water, some of the water had to move out
experience. of the way to make room for the object. The
volume of the water that was moved out of
the way or displaced is equal to the volume of
Gathering Data
the object.
Interpreting Data
Discussing
Give each pair of students a graduated
cylinder with 10 mL of water in it.
Measuring
Observing
If the object is placed in the 10 mL of water,
the water level will move up. The
measurement of that water level minus the 10
Students will find the densities of a
mL equals the volume of that object.
variety of objects by finding the object’s
Ask each pair of students to place their
mass and volume and using the
equation Density = Mass/Volume.

25

Page 2
1 cm3 cube in their 10 ml of water. Students
Vocabulary:
are to read the water level with the cube in it.
mass
It should read 11 mL.
volume
density
11 mL – 10 mL = 1 mL
displacement
submerge
Remember: an object must be completely
submerged in water before an accurate
reading for volume can be done. If
necessary, students may need to push the
cube underwater until it is submerged.

How does the volume of the block compare
with the rise in water level?

*(1 cm³ = 1 mL)

Which method of finding volume would you
use if you were trying to find the volume of a
rock? Why?
Which method of finding volume would you
use if you were trying to find the volume of a
block of wood? Why?

Students should complete the activity sheet
for Learning Experience #9. Discuss the
results. (Student answers are approximate).

Answers:
1. Volume of the:
Marble 1 mL - displacement
Nail 1 mL - displacement
Small Square Block of Wood 2.5 x 2.5
x 2.5 = 15.625 cm³-l x w x h
Large Square Block of Wood 5 x 5 x 5
= 125 cm³ l x w x h
2. Mass of the:
Marble 3 g
Nail 8 g
Small Square Block of Wood 14 g
Large Square Block of Wood 104 g

26

Page 3
3. Density (approximate) of the :
Marble 3 g/cm³
Nail 8 g/cm³
Small Square Block of Wood .896 g/cm³
Large Square Block of Wood .832 g/cm³
4. The marble should sink in glycerol. The marble has a greater density than glycerol.
5. The block of wood should float in water. The wood’s density is less than water.
6. The blocks of wood should have similar densities. Due to the natural growth process of
wood, the densities may be slightly different. Students should understand that size does
not change the density of an objects made from the same material.
7. “B” has the greater density. “B” has the same mass as “A”, however due to the fact
it is smaller in volume, “B” has more matter squeezed into a smaller space. Therefore,
the density is greater.

27

Name: ______________________ Date: _________
Looking at Liquids Student Assessment

Directions: Read the question carefully and answer based on your knowledge
about looking at liquids. Circle the correct answer.

1.-9. Fill in the table below by answering the questions in the left hand column.

Solid Liquid Gas

Does this phase of
matter have a
definite shape?
Does this phase of
matter have a
definite volume?
Are the particles in
this phase moving
slow or fast? Rank
these using slow,
faster, and fastest.

10. Substances change their state due to changes in their
a. phase c. energy
b. viscosity d. pattern

11. Moving molecules have kinetic energy called
a. heat c. temperature
b. phase d. viscosity

12. When energy is taken away from a substance, the molecules in that substance
a. move farther apart c. speed up
b. move closer together d. change size

13. Liquids sometimes resist flowing, which is also called
a. vibration c. temperature
b. kinetic d. viscosity

14. When water turns to solid ice, it is called
a. freezing c. condensation
b. evaporation d. melting

15. When ice turns to water at room temperature, it is called

28

Looking at Liquids Assessment Page 2

16. When water vapor appears on the mirror when you take a shower it is called

17. To get water to change from a liquid to a gas, you must
a. remove heat c. leave it alone
b. add heat d. stir it often

18.-20. Calculate the densities for the following substances using the information in the table
below.

Density = Mass ÷ Volume
Mass (g) Volume (cm³) Density (g/cm³)

Copper = 10.0 cm³
89.0 g

Gold 193.2 g = 10.0 cm³

Lead 113.7 g = 10.0 cm³

Using the information you just found out, organize these solids from least dense (on the top)
to most dense (on the bottom).

Top _____________________________________________________

Middle ___________________________________________________

Bottom ___________________________________________________

29

Looking at Liquids Student Assessment Key

Solid Liquid Gas

Does this phase of
matter have a Yes no no
definite shape?
Does this phase of
matter have a yes yes no
definite volume?
Are the particles in
this phase moving slow faster fastest
slow or fast? Rank
these using slow,
faster, and fastest.

10. c
11. a
12. b
13. d
14. a
15. d
16. c
17. b

Density = Mass ÷ Volume
Mass (g) Volume (cm³) Density (g/cm³)

Copper = 10.0 cm³ 8.9 (g/cm³)
89.0 g

19.32(g/cm³)
Gold 193.2 g = 10.0 cm³

Lead 11.37(g/cm³)
113.7 g = 10.0 cm³

Top: Copper
Middle: Lead
Bottom: Gold

30

MORE IDEAS

Language Arts

♦ Hold a mini science conference on the debate of Oobleck as a solid or liquid.
♦ Maintain a journal with vocabulary definitions and information summarizing results
of the activities throughout the unit.
♦ Write poetry about a liquid in the kit. The poem should describe the properties of
the liquid.
♦ Write riddles about each liquid in the kit . Students can share their riddles
with other students to see if they can guess what liquid the riddle is talking about.
♦ Students can create crossword puzzles from the vocabulary in the unit.
♦ Read to students Aesop’s fable, “The Crow and the Pitcher.” Discuss with students
how the crow’s actions relate to displacement.

Books Suggestions: Prince William by Gloria Rand
Spill! The Story of the Exxon Valdez by Terry Carr
The Quicksand by Tomie DePaola
The Slimy Book by Babette Cole
The Wise Woman and Her Secret by Eve Merriam
The Search For Delicious by Natalie Babbitt
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Einstein Anderson Tells a Comet’s Tale by Seymour Simon
The Toothpaste Millionaire by Jean Merrill

Art

♦ Crayon resist art activity shows how water will avoid the wax of the crayon.
♦ Create marbleized paper . This activity uses oil-based paints that form a separate
layer when added to water. Fill a plastic tub ½ full of water. Drop a teaspoon of
paint onto the top of the water. Stir with a wooden spoon to form the swirl design.
Lay paper on top of the water. Wait a few seconds then lift the paper from the
water and allow it to dry on newspapers (48 hours).
♦ Ask students to design a spacecraft that could land on a planet with the surface of
oobleck. Students could work independently or in groups.

Social Studies

♦ Research Alaska and the impact the Exxon Valdez oil spill had on the area.
♦ Research the discovery of oil and its impact on society’s way of life.
♦ Discuss current events that relate to the environment.

Math

♦ Use calculators to calculate density, volume, and mass using the correct formulas.
Density= Mass/Volume (D=M/V), Volume= Mass/Density (V=M/V),
Mass= Density x Volume (M=D x V)

31

♦ Find area and perimeter of different geometric shapes.
♦ Discuss the difference of convex and concave shapes. Use the terms when
discussing the shapes of bubbles, heaps, etc.
♦ Students can find the mean, median, mode, and range of data from some of the
activities.

Science

♦ Use 2/3 cup of liquid soap, 1 gallon of water, and 1 tablespoon of glycerine to
create a bubble solution. Create bubble tools in different shapes from pipe
cleaners. Students will see that bubbles only form in a spherical shape. Due to the
cohesion of water and surface tension, the soap film uses the minimum surface
area possible within a boundary. A sphere has the smallest surface area to
enclose an amount of air. Students can expand on this activity by adding different
amounts of the ingredients of the bubble solution to find the solution where the
bubbles last the longest. Students could also explore whether a brand of soap will
effect the bubble’s duration.
♦ Measure the density of the liquids using a hydrometer.
♦ Discuss the history and effects of oil spills on the environment.
♦ Make silly putty using 1 teaspoon of Borax and ¾ cup of water. Stir until the borax
dissolves. Add 2 tablespoons of glue. Stir quickly in a circular motion.
When it has a definite shape, remove it and continue to shape it with your hands.
♦ Ask students to design an object that will keep an ice cube from melting as quickly
at room temperature (70 degrees). Students will work with different materials that
can act as insulators.
♦ Research the water strider insect to discover how it stays on top of the water. The
water strider has hairs on the ends of its feet on its front and back legs that act like
the floating paper clip. These special hairs do not break the surface of the water.
They just cause a dent in it. Its middle legs move about the pond.
♦ Students can research things in our everyday world that use the property of
density, such as submarines, hot air balloons, and blimps.
♦ Try floating different objects in water vs. salt water. Salt water is more dense than
fresh water.
♦ Discuss the capillary action of water. If an object has tiny tubes in it, water will
move into the tubes because the air pressure inside the tubes is less than the
pressure outside. For example, trees get their nutrients this way. Fill a cup with
colored water. Trim off the end of a piece of celery stalk. Place the celery stalk in
the water overnight. The next day observe the color of the stalk’s upper leaves.
Students can also test the capillary action in different brands of paper towels. Cut
paper towel strips from different brands of paper towels. Dip each strip into the
colored water. Measure the distance the water traveled up the strip in 30 seconds.
The towel where the water traveled the farthest shows the best capillary action.
♦ A drop of water acts as a convex lens. A convex lens aids in one seeing an
enlarged image of an object. It concentrates the rays of light on the focal point.
Ask students to place a drop of water on a piece of waxed paper. Then place the
drops over the piece of printed material. Ask students to explain what is
happening. Does the same thing happen with soapy water or alcohol?

32

INQUIRY AND PROCESS SKILLS
Classifying Arranging or distributing objects, events, or information in
classes according to some method or system.
Communication Giving oral and written explanations or graphic
representations of observations.
Creating Models Displaying information by means of graphic
illustrations or other multi-sensory
representations.
Formulating Hypothesis Constructing a proposition or assumption of
what is thought likely to be true based on
reasoning, which serves as a tentative
testable theory.
Gathering & Organizing Collecting information about objects and events which
show a specific situation.
Generalizing Drawing general conclusions from information.

Identifying Variables Recognizing the characteristics of objects or
events which are constant or change under
different conditions.
Inferring Making a statement or conclusion based on reasoning or
prior experience to explain an observation.

Interpreting Data Analyzing information that has been collected
and organized by describing apparent
patterns or relationships in the information.
Making Decisions Choosing an alternative from among several
and basing the judgment on defendable
reasons.
Manipulating Materials Handling or treating materials, equipment or
procedures skillfully and effectively.
Measuring Making quantitative observations by comparing
to a standard.
Observing Becoming aware of an object or even by using
any of the senses to identify properties.
Predicting Making a forecast or estimate of what future
events or conditions may occur.

33

GLOSSARY

Adhesion: the force of attraction between molecule of different substances.

Alcohol: a household liquid whose cohesive forces are weak and it
adheres to certain materials.

Balance: an instrument for determining mass by the equilibrium of weights
suspended from opposite ends of a horizontal bar.

Cohesion: the force of attraction between like molecules.

Condensation: the process of changing from a gas to a liquid because heat is
removed.

Contaminate: to make unfit for use.

Decant: to pour gently so as not to disturb the sediment.

Density: the ratio of mass of an object to its volume (D=M/V)

Displacement: an object pushes aside (displaces) amount of liquid in a container
by taking up the space the liquid once held.

Evaporation: the process of changing from a liquid to a gas due to heat gain.

Fulcrum: the support or point of support on which a lever
turns. The fulcrum of the balance is the T pin.

Gas: a state of matter that has no definite shape and takes up no
definite amount of space, must be moving to be felt, and takes the
shape and size of its container.

Glycerol: a viscous liquid whose cohesive forces are stronger than water.

Heaping ability: the amount a liquid will heap in a container until one more drop
will cause an overflow. Cohesive forces, viscosity, and density
determine the heaping ability of a liquid.

Hemisphere: half a sphere

Horizontal: parallel to the floor or table.

Level: a horizontal position or condition.

Liquid: the state of matter that has no definite shape, but takes up a
definite amount of space, it feels wet, and takes the shape of its
container.
34

Mass: the amount of matter in an object (grams).

Molecule: neutral particle formed by atoms – may be an element or a
compound.

Observe: to become aware of an object or event by using any of the senses
to identify properties.

Plasticine: a claylike substance

Profile : an outline of an object.

Solid: a state of matter that has a definite shape and takes up definite
space, each solid has a different feel to it.

Strategy: a detailed plan for reaching a goal.

Submerged: to sink below the surface of any liquid or to cover with a liquid.

Succeed: to accomplish what was attempted or intended.

Surface tension: the property, due to molecular forces, by which the
surface film of all liquids tends to give the surface
of a liquid a “skin-like” effect.

Viscous: the “thickness” of a liquid.

Volume: the amount of space occupied by an object (cm³)

35

TEACHER REFERENCES

Devonshire, Hilary. Water, (Science Through Art). New York: Franklin Watts, 1991.

Durant, Penny. Make A Splash! Science Activities with Liquids. New York : Franklin
Watts, 1991.

Mebane, Robert C. and Thomas R. Rybolt. Adventures with Atoms and Molecules.
New Jersey, 1985.

Sneider, Cary. Oobleck. Consortium Book Sales & Distribution.

Sneider, Cary. Oobleck: What Do Scientists Do? California: LHS GEMS, 1985.

Watson, Phillip. Liquid Magic. New York: Lothrop,Lee and Shepard Books, 1982.

Walker, Sally M., Water Up, Water Down. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 1992.

Media Library
Call the media library to order media materials and to check on new materials that are
available. The number to be reached is (716) 376-8212.

Web Sites
http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/e_main.html
http://cbs.infoplease.com/ce5/CE050209.html
http://www.madsci.org/experiments
http://chem4kids.com/matter/liquid.html
http://fusioned.gat.com/SlideShowFolder/FourStates.html
http://www.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/textbook/statesofmatter.html
http://www.monroe2boces.org/shared/esp/chem.htm
http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/~acarpi/NSC/2-matter.htm (shows how water molecules move in
each state of matter)

36

Major Science Concepts To Be Addressed

Objects and events have distinctive properties.

Its material and condition determine the properties of an object.

Some properties of an object are dependent upon the material from which the object is made.

Different kinds of materials have different properties.
For example:

Weight

The space occupied by an object is determined by the properties of the object.

The properties of an object can be changed by an event in which the object is involved. An
event in which the properties of an object are changed is called an interaction.

Objects which are not falling are interacting with the object upon which they rest because
they are being supported by it.

Objects on a uniform balance beam may or may not be in balance depending on the location
of the support.

When two objects of equal weight are balanced (on a uniform balance beam) they are the
same distance from the balance point.

When two objects of unequal weight are balanced (on a uniform balance beam) the lighter
weight object is farther from the balance point than the heavier weight object.

Some objects fall through a fluid (sink) while others are supported by it (float). Floating or
sinking depends upon the properties of objects.
For example:

The type of material in the object

Energy and material have forms and properties.

Objects have properties determined by the forms, amounts and properties of the materials of
which they are made.

The properties of a material are determined by its form.

Properties of a material can be affected by the shape of the material.

Some of the properties of an object may be determined by the amount of material in the
object. For example: Weight

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