Carolina Curriculum: GEMS > Kits for Grades K-5

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Expanded view of the Discovering Density Kit

GEMS^® Discovering Density (Grades 6–8)

Helium balloons drift into the sky, icebergs float on an ocean of salt water, a submarine dives into the sea. What do these phenomena have in common? They are all the result of differences in density. The concept of density is sometimes difficult for students to grasp. Density is often introduced through activities involving objects that float or sink in water. Many times this can cause more confusion because students focus on the weights of the objects rather than the density of the materials they are made from.

In GEMS Discovering Density, students learn about density through a series of challenges with liquids that form colorful layers when poured together. Density is introduced as a property of liquids that can be used to predict which liquids will float on top of other liquids. Once students understand density as a property of liquids, they can then generalize the concept to solids.

Benefits of using this kit:
	Introduces foundational science concepts that lead to student success
	Strongly aligned with multiple state standards and the National Science Education Standards and Bench Marks for Science Literacy
	Provides clear step-by-step instruction, assessment suggestions, literature connections, and ideas for further instruction

Goals Standards In the Kit Pilot this Kit Support

Goals of Discovering Density
	Students explain, in their own words, why some liquids can be layered.
	Students develop and articulate a working definition of density—a material is denser than another material if one cup of that material weighs more than 1 cup of the other material.
	Students learn to use the mathematical equation for density to calculate the density of carious salt solutions.
	Students apply their knowledge of density to real-life situations.
	Students are able to visualize and draw a model that depicts substances of different densities at a super-magnified level.

National Standards addressed by Discovering Density:

	Physical Science Standard, 5–8: Transfer of energy.
	Earth and Space Science Standard, 5–8: Structure of the earth system.
	Inquiry Standard, 5–8: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry.
	Unifying Concepts and Principles: Constancy, change, and measurement; evidence, models, and explanation; form and function.

In the Kit:
The unit kit comes with a Teacher's Guide, a Teacher's Pack containing: copy masters, MSDS sheets, matrix of provided materials where used and materials needed but not supplied, and materials needed for a class of 32 students.

Try the Carolina Curriculum Pilot Program
What’s the best way to learn about STC Program®, Building Blocks of Science™, Math Out of the Box®, or GEMS Kits®? Pilot a unit in your school or district!

Here's how it works:

	Complete the pilot information request form.
	You choose a lead teacher(s) to pilot the units.
	Carolina ships the selected unit kit(s) to your school/district.
	At the end of the pilot, you can purchase one of the unit kits for 10% off the catalog price!

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	Discovering Density Kit This Kit comes with a Teacher's Guide, an information packet, and the materials needed for a class of 30.

	Discovering Density Kit Teacher's Guide Additional Teacher's Guides are available if you need them.

	Discovering Density Kit Refill Pack This set replenishes the consumable materials in the Kit.