The power of density is explored in this experiment. The amazing colours of sugared water can be created in out Terrific Test Tubes or any other tall skinny container.
A FUN and colourful way to investigate density and also learn about colour mixing, space science and more!
Jug of water, small containers
Food colouring
Sugar cubes, pipettes
1 x Terrifi c Test Tube
Remember:
Water spilt on the ground can be a slip hazard, mop up any water
quickly if spilt on fl oor.
Mix the food colouring into the cups
and place the sugar cubes beside each
cup. Suggestd cubes:
1-yellow, 3-red, 6-green and 9-blue
Add the blue solution first.
This should have
the greatest density (since you added the most sugar to this colour).
Add the green solution CAREFULLY and
dropwise next.
Since it had less sugar in it, it should be lighter and sit on top of the blue solution.
Tilt the test tube slightly while you add the green solution ontop of the blue.
This should prevent it from falling into the blue solution and mixing.
Keep adding each colour until you have
the lightest solution on the top (yellow).
Check out the ‘Wacky Science’ video of this experiment and ‘What’s Going On’ series link. They are currently ‘In Production’, so check back soon…..
Density is a measure of how much mass there is in a specifi c volume. It is around us ALL the time. Hot air rises and cold air sinks, boats (and you) floating in water and expanding magma inside the Earth’s mantle.
We made three different liquids having different densities. The one with the most sugar was the heaviest liquid and the solution with the least amount of sugar was the lightest liquid. This was because we used the same volume of water and dissolved different amounts of sugar into them.
If you would like
– more details,
– pictures of the second half of the experiment
– information on how to investigate this further
– links to everyday examples
– management hints & teaching pointers (5P Teacher develpoment program)
 ….. then why not subscribe to one of the following
(1) Crazy science Club
(2) 5P Teacher Training course called ‘Looney Lab  Classroom Creations‘
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Or you can purchase the ‘Bright Sparkes Guide’ of this demonstration only ($2.50) which has:
- HD pictures of experiment steps
- Detailed explanation of science
- Mini-challenge section (another experiment)
- Making it a ‘Scientific Method’ experience
- Graphing opportunities
- REAL links and descriptions to everyday examples of concept.