Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Buoyancy of Floating Cylinders
This project presents an interesting puzzle. A disk of wood will float face-up, that is, with its circular cross-section parallel to the surface of the water. A long log of wood, however, floats with the circular cross-section...
Science Bob Pflugfelder
Science Bob: A Density Experiment You Can Drink
Science Bob provides instructions for a density experiment you can drink using common supplies with information on how it works.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Klutz Proof Density Column
An activity to help you create a density column that contains layers of liquids that are separated by different densities.
Science is Fun
Science Is Fun: Bowling Balls Float or Sink?
In this experiment, you test whether two different bowling balls will float or sink, then determine the density of each of the balls to see if they are less than that of water.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating the Effects of Density and Volume of a Cartesian Diver
In this lesson, students will investigate why the Cartesian diver dives and rises in a 2 liter bottle. They will also, through their own discovery, come up with a question and then change one variable and record their results. Students...
Museum of Science
Museum of Science and Industry: Online Science: Activities: Habitat Overcrowding
An experiment where several containers are set up with different numbers of seeds planted in each. The objective is to investigate how seed density affects the health of the plants that grow.
Center of Science and Industry
Cosi Columbus: Buoyant Bubble [Pdf]
Learn about density in this hands-on science experiment. Includes full list of materials, procedures, and scientific explanation of what makes an object float or sink. [PDF]
Other
Steve Spangler Science: Denver's Brown Cloud
Learn how fluids move through our atmosphere and water. This experiment explains atmospheric convection currents (thunderstorms), the Gulf Stream, and temperature inversion. A video is included.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: You Nailed It! Hammering Force for Different Types of Wood
This Science Buddies project explains how to build a mechanism that will reproducibly swing a hammer so you can determine the amount of force needed to hammer a nail through various densities of wood. The Science Buddies project ideas...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Up, Up, and Away in Your Own Hot Air Balloon!
In this science fair project, students will make hot-air balloons using a toaster and dry-cleaning bags, and see how the size of the balloon affects its flight. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently beginning with an...
Science Fun for Everyone
Science Fun: Water Fireworks
In this science experiment, you will learn about density while making water fireworks!
Scholastic
Scholastic: Dirtmeister's Science Lab: The Air Is There
An experiment to see how the temperature of an object affects how high it bounces. This site contains web links and notes for the teacher.
Museum of Science
Museum of Science: Water Density Experiment
A simple lab activity to demonstrate that ocean currents are influenced by changes in water density.
Science Fun for Everyone
Science Fun: Rainbow in a Glass
Use skittles to form a rainbow with this hands-on experiment. Links to video of the experiment.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Dirtmeister's Science Lab: That Sinking Feeling
Simple experiments dealing with water temperature and density that you can complete in the lab and at home.
Science is Fun
Science Fun: Layered Liquids
This experiment allows you to dramatically demonstrate the different densities of five different common household liquids.
Science is Fun
Fun Science: Sinking and Floating Soda Cans
Why do some pop cans float in water while others don't? This easy experiment is a great example of the principle of density.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Comparing Densities of Different Liquids
This lab experiment has students observe and compare the density of five different liquids while measuring mass and volume.
Hunkins Experiments
Hunkin's Experiments: See if a Ring Is Pure Gold
Hunkin's Experiments is a group of simple cartoon illustrations of scientific principles. Some would work well in the classroom, but others have little value beyond entertaining students. All of the projects are easy to do. This one...
Science is Fun
Science Is Fun: Dancing Raisins
An experiment in buoyancy which involves making raisins float by using carbonated soda pop. Students then try the same test with other materials. Instructions for making one's own carbonated liquid are also provided.
Science is Fun
Science Is Fun: Sinking and Floating Soda Cans
An experiment to determine if either a regular or a diet can of soda will float or sink when placed in water, and what causes this.
Science is Fun
Science Is Fun: Layered Liquids
An investigation into what properties liquids have that enable them to sit in separate layers in a container.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Condiment Diver
Use a condiment packet as a Cartesian diver to show how pressure changes cause the "diver" to float, sink or hover.
Other
The Science House: Daffy Densities
In this lab experiment, students will use 4 solids and 6 liquids to create colorful, layered rows demonstrating that less dense materials will float on top of the more dense materials.