Investigate the Properties of Liquids

Overview

When discussing material properties, most of us usually think of solid materials and material properties such as hardness, flexibility, or strength. However, liquids are characterized by distinct properties, too. Some of these properties overlap with those of solids, like density or transparency, but others are more specific to liquids. Viscosity—the resistance of a fluid to flow—and surface tension, are two examples of properties that are specifically used to characterize liquids. In this lesson plan, students will investigate the properties of different liquids by pouring them, smelling them, and investigating their densities by stacking them on top of each other.

NGSS Alignment

• 2-PS1-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.

Materials

Materials for each group of 2-3 students:

• Dark corn syrup, 1 Tbsp.
• Dish soap, 1 Tbsp.
• Water, 1 Tbsp.
• Vegetable oil, 1 Tbsp.
• Plastic cup, 16-oz
• Liquid food coloring (green)
• Mini plastic cups with lids, 2-oz (10)
• Paper towels

Materials for teacher:

• Mini plastic cups with lids, 2-oz (4); put 1 Tbsp. of each liquid in its own mini cup
• Tablespoon
• One extra mini cup with lid, 2-oz
• Apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp.