Today we’re doing a density experiment using oranges! Kids will have so much fun learning about density and buoyancy using a peeled orange and a non-peeled orange. Who would have thought simple items could be used to teach different properties of science. You can do this density experiment at home or in the classroom!
Density Experiment Using Oranges
Orange you glad this science experiment uses only a few items? I’ll see myself out… but not before we talk about how easy and budget-friendly this science experiment is! Plus, you can always snack on the oranges later.
But your kids will be able to explore buoyancy and density and how making changes can affect those things. It’s simple, fun, and kids are gonna love it.
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Related: Download and print our scientific method steps for kids printable!
Supplies Needed For This Orange Density Experiment
Optional:
How To Set Up And Do Your Density Experiment
Step 1
Peel 1 of your oranges either by cutting off the peel or peeling it the old fashioned way.
Step 2
Fill up your bowl with water.
Step 3
Put the peeled orange in. What happened?
Step 4
Now, put the unpeeled orange in the water. What happened?
Why The Oranges Sink and Float
When you put the oranges in the water, did they do what you thought they would? But why did one sink and one float?
Think of the orange peel like a life jacket for the fruit. It contains small air bubbles that helps the orange stay floating.
But when you take the peel off you’re basically taking off it’s life jacket. Because of that, it’s heavier and then it sinks because it is denser than the water. The peel helps it stay lighter than the water.
Things will only float if they’re less dense than water. They will sink when they’re more dense than water. And air will help things float and keep them buoyant.
Materials
- 2 Oranges
- A Large Bowl
- Water
- Optional:
- Knife
Instructions
- Peel 1 of your oranges either by cutting off the peel or peeling it the old fashioned way.
- Fill up your bowl with water.
- Put the peeled orange in. What happened?
- Now, put the unpeeled orange in the water. What happened?
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How did you like this density experiment? What did you learn?
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