Physical Properties

   The class has been busy observing the properties of solids and liquids the last few days.  On Monday, we used the Button Box and our five senses to sort buttons on our document camera.  We sorted buttons by size, texture, color, shape, and height. 

 

   Today we observed the densities of different liquids by layering syrup, oil, water, mouthwash, and glue.  We made a different hypothesis before adding each liquid and tested it by pouring the liquid into the container.  It revealed its density by layering itself on top of other liquids or by sinking past the liquids and settling underneath.  Students could also clearly see how liquids take the shape of their container.  The syrup was the shape of a syrup bottle, the mouthwash was the shape of a mouthwash bottle, and the water was the shape of the floor! (After the accident)

   To top it all off, we placed some solids into the layered liquid jar to test their own densitites.  The students were right on target with their hypotheses.  The chalk and the paper clip were dense enough to sink, while the mileage foot and pen cap both float on top of the oil. It was a fun day to experiement and see science at work!