Packing Peanuts and Density Activity
Initial Publication Date: September 18, 2008
Summary
In this chemistry lab students explore the concept of density using packing peanuts and water. This is a great way to explore the concept of density by having students make observations about the packing peanuts and dissolving them in water (for biodegradable ones or using nail polish remover for non-biodegradable).
CollapseLearning Goals
Through this activities students will have an in depth knowledge ideas that support understanding of density. This will be accomplished through discussions and lab activity of dissolving packing peanuts and measuring the mass and density of the packing peanuts.
Context for Use
This activity is most appropriate for a elementary lab activity where goggles are available.
Description and Teaching Materials
Introduction:
Bring out a large zip lock bag full of packing peanuts and pose the question "I want you to discuss with your group members how you think you can fit the contents of this bag into the baby food jar on your tables."
Materials:
1 zip lock bag full of biodegradable packing peanuts per group
1 baby food jar for each group
Goggles
Magnifying glass per student
Water (or nail polish remover if you can't find biodegradable packing peanuts.)
Balance scale
Activity:
Have students start by discussing with students and listing on board what tools or measurements could be used to be able to examine the characteristics of the packing peanuts. Make sure to plant the idea of using a balance to measure the mass.
Allow students to use there ideas and make observations of their packing peanuts and record them in their science journals.
Next ask students to discuss the ideas of how to fit them into their jars. Allow students some time to work their ideas.
Have students share their ideas and critique what worked and what did not.
If the idea of dissolving the packing peanuts has not arouse. Have students pour 1 1/2 inch of water or nail polish remover into their baby food jars (make sure they are wearing googles).
Have students place a packing peanut in the liquid and record their observations in their journals.
Have students discuss what happened to the packing peanut and the liquid it was added to.
Next give students the opportunity to see if they can fit all of their packing peanuts into the jar using the liquid to dissolve them.
Then ask students "What happened to the packing peanuts? Did they disappear? Did any thing happen to the liquid? How much mass did the packing peanuts have? Did this have any thing to do with how many you were able to fit into the jar?" The questions above are just ideas but the main idea is to encourage dialogue about topics related to density.
Bring out a large zip lock bag full of packing peanuts and pose the question "I want you to discuss with your group members how you think you can fit the contents of this bag into the baby food jar on your tables."
Materials:
1 zip lock bag full of biodegradable packing peanuts per group
1 baby food jar for each group
Goggles
Magnifying glass per student
Water (or nail polish remover if you can't find biodegradable packing peanuts.)
Balance scale
Activity:
Have students start by discussing with students and listing on board what tools or measurements could be used to be able to examine the characteristics of the packing peanuts. Make sure to plant the idea of using a balance to measure the mass.
Allow students to use there ideas and make observations of their packing peanuts and record them in their science journals.
Next ask students to discuss the ideas of how to fit them into their jars. Allow students some time to work their ideas.
Have students share their ideas and critique what worked and what did not.
If the idea of dissolving the packing peanuts has not arouse. Have students pour 1 1/2 inch of water or nail polish remover into their baby food jars (make sure they are wearing googles).
Have students place a packing peanut in the liquid and record their observations in their journals.
Have students discuss what happened to the packing peanut and the liquid it was added to.
Next give students the opportunity to see if they can fit all of their packing peanuts into the jar using the liquid to dissolve them.
Then ask students "What happened to the packing peanuts? Did they disappear? Did any thing happen to the liquid? How much mass did the packing peanuts have? Did this have any thing to do with how many you were able to fit into the jar?" The questions above are just ideas but the main idea is to encourage dialogue about topics related to density.
Teaching Notes and Tips
The biodegradable packing peanuts will dissolve in water. If not you can use non-biodegradable ones and use nail polish remover to dissolve them.
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Assessment
To assess look at students journal entry or have students preform a self assessment on their lab procedures.
Standards
Grade 6 II, A, 5. The student will distinguish between volume, mass and density.