Mass and density — aren't they the same thing? This activity has groups use balance beams and water displacement to measure several objects. The pupils use the measurements to calculate the density of the objects. 

Concepts

density, mass, volume, water displacement, data display, mean, water, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Once density has been defined, let the class determine the ways to find out the needed parameters in order to calculate the density
• Research the density of the objects to verify the experimental outcomes; explain any error if they exist

Classroom Considerations

• Use the activity as a hook into the Density & Miscibilility lesson
• The activity is the eighth installment in a nine-part series

Pros

• Includes an editable worksheet to fit the needs of your class
• The activity comes with troubleshooting tips that are helpful hints for the class when conducting the activity

Cons

• The eighth grade and high school standards do not quite match the activity since the graphed data is not a scatter plot

Common Core

6.RP.A.3.a 6.RP.A.3.d 6.NS.B.2 6.NS.B.3 6.SP.B.4 6.SP.B.5.a 8.SP.A.1 HSS-ID.B.6.a