Experiment 4: Sink or Float

Pour about 1 to 2 inches of Corn syrup into a bottle. Then add about 6 inches of water. Finally add about an inch of oil. Ask the Brownies to guess what will happen when you shake the liquids. Shake bottle to mix the liquids and watch. Ask the Brownies to guess what will happen when different items are dropped into the jar. Then have them drop the items in. Lastly ask the Brownies to explain why they were right or wrong.

This experiment demonstrates density (lightness or heaviness) of substances. Dense objects sink less dense items float. The liquids also have a unique density which causes them to stratify. “Density is dependent upon how tightly the molecules of each substance are packed.”

Interesting Fact:

Pumice Stone floats!!!!!