4th Grade Density Investigation Box (Lesson Plan 1)

Investigation Boxes are a great way to give students the opportunity to think, question, and explore science on their own. This box includes the materials and instructions to do three different density experiments, as well as two literature connections: Gibson, G. (1995). Making Things Float and Sink, and Barkan, D. (2006). What is Density.

• The first experiment in the box is a sinking and floating investigation with materials like pennies, paper clips, corks, and a bowl that will be filled with water. Children can make predictions and record their results.

• The second experiment is called Layers of Liquid. Students will pour corn syrup, cooking oil, and vinegar into a container and observe how they settle on top of each other. 
• Students can investigate further by attempting to mix the liquids together and by dropping in the materials from the sink or float experiment and seeing what happens.

• Melting Colors is the third experiment in the box. Now, students will investigate what happens when ice melts in water. They will use food dye to add color to water before freezing it, and observe the colored ice as it melts in a clear container of warm water. 

The three experiments and two books in this Investigation Box let students ask questions, make predictions, and explore the idea of density. The box can be used by the class as a whole, but because it already includes all instructions, procedures, and materials, students can be trusted to explore on their own too. They might even make some scientific discoveries that you never would have thought of!