Lesson no & title: Density Date

Class Ability Set No.of pupils Time

Prior learning required: Students should be familiar with how to use an equation triangle, how to use a ruler, top pan balance and how to calculate the density of a cuboid.

Objectives:
Skills and Processes Attitude
Knowledge and Understanding
Calculate density. Assess their own risk and manage this to work safely.
Recall a definition of density and equation for calculating Identify variables and describe how they can be
it. measured.
Generate a suitable results table and record qualitative
Recall the units of density, mass and volume. observations.

Use the idea of density to explain whether a material will

float or sink in a given liquid.

Teacher Activity Pupil Activity

Bell work: Consider why the layers of the make-up remover always has blue on the top. Find their place, and consider the image.
Take register, settle down students. Listen
Introduce teacher, invite student response to the images and demonstrate the product. Share Observe, listen and answer questions. Students are given their
the lesson objectives. worksheet and put their name on it.
Give out samples of different materials. Instruct students to handle the samples and put them
Students work in small groups handling the different materials and
in order of how dense they are, and circulate helping where necessary. Explain to students that
considering how items that feel heavy for their size are dense, those
this is qualitative observation.
that feel light for their size are not dense.
Invite students to explain what density is. Then show students the video from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgEQls0wvzU which looks at what density is and how Observe, listen and answer questions. Students are fill in the first
it can be calculated. Note down key equation and the equation triangle. section of their worksheet.

Students should then calculate the density of three materials where mass and volume is given. Students may use a calculator to answer the second part of the sheet,
To extend students they can use their answers to suggest the identity of each material and then and where appropriate consider how density can be used to identify a
consider if Al would float in water. material or predict if it will float or sink.

Use question and answer, to help students design their own outline of an experiment to Volunteer and observe. Complete the practical and record data in an
measure the density of the materials we met before and turn the qualitative observation into appropriate fashion. .
quantative data. Students then design their own results table and complete the experiment.
Extend students by considering how density may have different units.

Extension: If time allows, we can discuss how the density formula can be re-arranged to Students listen and volunteer.
calculate the mass or volume.

Plenary: Ask students to consider why iceberg’s float – using the ideas of density. To extend Listen, observe, discuss and give considered responses.
students the idea of molecular structure can be considered linking to their Chemistry GCSE.
Students reflect and if there is time participate in think, pair, square,
 while they pack away their equipment, put their outer garments on and
Reflection: Re-frame the objectives as question, which students can reflect and see if they can
remain seated.
answer after the lesson. Students should consider this as they pack away.
Leave in an orderly manner.
Dismiss on the bell.
Expected Learning Outcomes : Some students will be able to manipulate a formula to obtain a different subject, deduce the units of density and explain how to calculate density
from an experiment including for irregular shapes. Students can also generate an appropriate results table. Most students will be able to describe how to calculate density from an
experiment for cuboid objects and record data in a table. All students should be able to recall the definition of density, and be able to calculate the density when volume and mass
are supplied.
Resources Advanced planning Risk assessment
To present the lesson: A digital projector, speakers and Photocopy worksheet x 20. Medium risk – be aware of trip hazards
access to a power supply, Word, PowerPoint and the Set up computer, data projector and open relevant documents. during movement around the room
internet. sharing resources and risk of the blocks
Other resources: Class set of text books, access to dry falling on the floor/toe/fingers etc.
wipe board, pens and eraser.
 Class practical: class set of cuboid blocks of different
material e.g. wood, aluminum, Perspex, lead, class set of
30cm rulers, class set of calculators, 5x top pan balances or
scales.
  If possible : molecular model of ice and molecular model
of liquid water.
Any Special Needs
The worksheet is produced with comic sans font which is easiest to read for GLD or EFL. For dyslexics the worksheet should be photocopied onto a pastel shade of paper.