Temperature, Salinity and Water Density Activity

Notes from our reviewers

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• Teaching Tips
  This activity can range in duration depending on class size, resources, and teacher choice. For older students (fourth grade and up) this activity could be done at home and shared about in class using a flipped classroom model. This could be an introduction to density topics, oceanography, chemistry, etc. With more materials and time the kids could do it themselves, which would be better.
• About the Science
  A study in temperature, salinity and water density using ice cubes, glasses of water and food coloring. Scientific accuracy is high, and there is enough background information for the teachers to understand the topic. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
• About the Pedagogy
  The activity described here should be interesting and engaging for students. It may be helpful to set up multiple versions of this if you have a larger class that could have trouble observing the results as a group. Includes end goals for the lesson, background information for the teachers, instructions and extension ideas/question prompts for the lesson.
• Technical Details/Ease of Use
  While this is a simple experiment, it does require some set-up and materials. Teachers should read through and prepare beforehand. Minimal prep is needed to freeze the ice with food coloring. Most materials that are readily available in elementary classrooms. You only need a few drops of food coloring and salt. A camera is mentioned but not necessarily required.