Download the lesson plan!

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Let's learn about temperature density!

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Let's learn about temperature density!

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Let's learn about temperature density!

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Certain liquids are less dense than others. If you’ve ever made a density jar, it’s easy to see this in action.

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But… water has the same density as other water, right? So why does it stay separated?

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The molecules in hot water move faster than those in cold water. Hot water molecules bounce around and leave gaps. This makes hot water less dense than cold water.

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When you put the cold water on the bottom, the denser cold water stays there.

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But when you put the cold water on the top, heat molecules rise. So the colors mix right away.

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Because you’re mixing primary colors, they mix into secondary colors when the hot water is on the bottom.

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Get the full experiment directions on STEAMsational!

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Download the lesson plan!

Temperature Density Experiment

Let's learn about temperature density!

Let's learn about temperature density!

Use the scientific method to ask a question, test variables, and record data!

Let's learn about temperature density!

The hot and cold water science experiment works because of the different densities of hot and cold water.

Certain liquids are less dense than others. If you’ve ever made a density jar, it’s easy to see this in action.

But… water has the same density as other water, right? So why does it stay separated?

The molecules in hot water move faster than those in cold water. Hot water molecules bounce around and leave gaps. This makes hot water less dense than cold water.

When you put the cold water on the bottom, the denser cold water stays there.

But when you put the cold water on the top, heat molecules rise. So the colors mix right away.

Because you’re mixing primary colors, they mix into secondary colors when the hot water is on the bottom.

Get the full experiment directions on STEAMsational!

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