Heavy Metal Lab

Summary

Students in small groups will investigate 4 metal cubes. They will write down differences and similarities. After discussion they will compute their densities.

Materials

• density block sets, aluminum, steal, brass, lead. (all the same size)
• metric rulers
• triple beam balances
• calculators
• worksheet

Instructional Procedures

1. Students will work in groups of 2-4. Each group will have a set of blocks, metric ruler, and triple beam. They will make a list of similarities and differences.
2. Refer them back to their notes on properties of matter. Can they find another way to list a difference.
3. Review computing volume, mass, and density.
4. Have the students measure the densities putting the information onto a chart on their paper.
5. Discuss after the results. Why did the densities not turn out exactly the same for everyone? Talk about atoms packed in tight to visualize the density idea. Talk about items of the same size having different densities.

Assessment Plan

The density reading should be close. Make sure that the units are correct on the numbers.

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.