Density of Wood Blocks

Summary

Students in small groups will measure the density of wood blocks of different sizes or different types.

Materials

• wood blocks of different sizes. They need to be of the same wood or different types if you can find them (a wood shop is a good place to look). An easy way is to obtain a 4 x 4 fence post and cut it into different lengths.
• student sheet (2 different ones are provided, depending on your selection of wood)
• metric rulers
• triple beams
• worksheet

Student Prior Knowledge

metric measuring, density, triple beam use, and scientific method

Instructional Procedures

1. Review how to measure volume and use triple beams.
2. In teams of 2-4 measure and record the mass, volume and densities of all the blocks.
3. Have them round the densities to the tenths place value.
4. Have the class compare their densities by writing them on the board.
5. Ask why are most of them the same?
6. Why are there a few different densities for some of the blocks?
7. What are some variables that may have appeared in your experiment?

Assessment Plan

• Full credit if all of the data is complete and the densities are about the same.
• Check for units and answers written into complete sentences.

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.