Activity
The Sweeter Side of Density
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Abstract
The concept of density represents a treasure trove of demonstrations, experiments, and discrepant events. Shortly after learning about common units of measurement, students frequently learn about density as an intensive physical property. The combination of oil and water is a common demonstration that simultaneously demonstrates density and miscibility. Regardless of how they are combined, oil and water, being immiscible, separate into distinct layers with oil on top. This classroom activity is an example of miscible liquids, which can be carefully combined to make a layered heterogeneous solution. Students determine the density of different sugar solutions and then devise a method for layering them in a graduated cylinder. Dyeing the solutions with food coloring results in a rainbow-colored heterogeneous mixture.
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Elementary / Middle School ScienceKeywords (Domain):
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Inquiry-Based / Discovery LearningKeywords (Subject):
Physical PropertiesCiting Articles
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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).

Making a Chemical Rainbow
Marcus Angelin and Olof RamströmJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (5), 504-506Making a Chemical Rainbow
Marcus Angelin and Olof RamströmJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (5), 504-506In this laboratory experiment, high school students are challenged to prepare a six-layered chemical “rainbow” in a test tube. Students start with six unknown, colorless liquids and six pigments ranging from violet to red. The experiment is problem based ...

Quilt as Desired
Erica K. Jacobsen and Laura E. SlocumJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (5), 460-461Quilt as Desired
Erica K. Jacobsen and Laura E. SlocumJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (5), 460-461In this Especially for High School Teachers column, adding a quilting design onto a pieced quilt top is compared to the chance educators have to stamp a chemistry topic with their own personal views and interests. Several articles from the May 2010 issue ...
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History
- Received: August 03, 2009
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