The Dense Scoop on Density!

1.     Run the Build an Atom simulation http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build-an-atom and build a neutral lithium atom and a neutral boron atom.  Take a picture, or a screenshot, of these two atoms and place them on your blog.  List the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for each. Also look up and post the density for each of the elements on your blog.

A neutral lithium atom has 3 protons, 4 neutrons, and 3electrons. The density of lithium is measured in Kilograms and is .534 grams per cubic centimeter.

A neutral boron atom has 5 proton 6 neutrons and 5 electrons. The density of a boron is measured in Kilograms and is 2.37 grams per cubic centimeter

2. Define density and the equation for density and post on your blog.
Density is how compact a molecule or group of molecules is. Atoms with a higher atomic mass typically have a higher density. The equation for density is mass divided by volume. In the equation, P represents density while mass is the letter m and volume is the letter v. M/V= P

2.     Run the Density simulation http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/density and complete one(your choice) of the prepared For Teachers activities on the simulations page and post your results on your blog. The activity you choose should be one of the student intended activities.

I chose Jackie Esler's activity and my work can be found on the next blog titled "Student worksheet!" All of my answers  are bolded and/or highlighted 

4. Complete the Mystery Blocks activity on the Density simulation.  Post on your blog the data you collected (mass, volume, and density) and the identification of the material and the known density.

Block	Mass	Volume	Density	Name of Object
A	65.14 kg	3.38 L	19.3	Gold
B	.64 kg	.64 L	1	Water
C	4.08 Kg	4.08L	1	Water
D	3.10 kg	3.1 L	1	Water
E	3.53 kg	1 L	3.53	Dimond

 The results of the experiment are that 3 out of 5 mystery objects are water. The first block was gold and the last block was Dimond.

5. Identify and post on your blog the Wisconsin Standards for Science (WSS) that could be met through these activities completed in Activity 5
SCI.CC3.3-5 Students recognize natural objects and observable phenomena exist from the very small to the immensely large. They use standard units to measure and describe physical quantities such as mass, time, temperature, and volume.
Observing the change in volume for each object in the simulation shows observation skills on both small and large scale. Students also use mass, density ,and volume in the experiments.
SCI.SEP3.A.3-5 Students plan and carry out investigations that control variables and provide evidence to support explanations or design solutions. This includes the following: Make observations and measurements to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence for an explanation of a phenomenon or test a design solution. Make predictions about what would happen if a variable changes.
Using the PHET Simulator students are able to make observations and clear measurements for experiments and test out their hypothesis. They are also able to manipulate multiple variables using this simulation to answer more questions and continue making predictions.
SCI.PS1.A.5 Matter exists as particles that are too small to see. Matter is always conserved even if it seems to disappear. Measurements of a variety of observable properties can be used to identify particular materials.

Having the mystery materials allowed students to explore their measurable qualities to find out what the objects were.