Liquid Layering Experiment
Buoyancy is the tendency for things to float and a lack of buoyancy causes things to sink. Things can float in air and they can float in water, but what causes them to float? What exactly do we even mean by “float”?
Investigate floating and sinking using an unusual situation: float one liquid on top of another! Doing this will help us better understand how a helium balloon works.
What to Do:
1. You will pour three liquids into a clear glass beaker and observe if they can float on top of each other.
Choose the three liquids you will use from this list:
2. Make a Prediction Online: Before you try your test, predict where each liquid you chose will lie in the cup.
3. Do the Experiment: Slowly pour each liquid into the cup. How do they layer?
4. Post your results on the end of the table so that other groups can see. Use the provided worksheet.
5. Send your Foreman around to the other groups. The Foreman should keep track of what the other groups found by writing it down.
6. Record what the other groups found out and then make a prediction online about how all 5 liquids will layer.
Investigate floating and sinking using an unusual situation: float one liquid on top of another! Doing this will help us better understand how a helium balloon works.
What to Do:
1. You will pour three liquids into a clear glass beaker and observe if they can float on top of each other.
Choose the three liquids you will use from this list:
- Water
- Shampoo
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Corn Syrup
- Vegetable Oil
2. Make a Prediction Online: Before you try your test, predict where each liquid you chose will lie in the cup.
3. Do the Experiment: Slowly pour each liquid into the cup. How do they layer?
4. Post your results on the end of the table so that other groups can see. Use the provided worksheet.
5. Send your Foreman around to the other groups. The Foreman should keep track of what the other groups found by writing it down.
6. Record what the other groups found out and then make a prediction online about how all 5 liquids will layer.