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The First Great Lesson
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DiscussionPre-lesson Questions
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Video LessonsThe First Great Lesson
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Experiments and ActivitiesForce of Attraction
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Settling Layers According to Density
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Directions to Make Your Own Volcano
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Beginning of the Universe Nomenclature Cards
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Beginning of the Universe Research Cards
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AnswersAnswer Key: The First Great Lesson
Section 4 of 8
In Progress
Settling Layers According to Density
Approximate time to complete: 10-15 minutes + questions and journal time

Experiment Card
Click below to download and print this experiment card:
Purpose
When Earth first formed, there were particles everywhere moving like crazy. When things began to settle down, the denser particles sank, while the less dense particles stayed at the surface. I wonder what will happen if I pour these 3 different liquids into a new container.
Materials
- 4 Beakers or Clear Cups
- 10 mL Water
- 10 mL Oil
- 10 mL Honey
*Exact measurements can be substituted for equal parts water, oil, and honey
Procedure
- Pour 10 mL water into one beaker, 10 mL oil into another beaker, and 10 mL honey into a third beaker.
- Place an empty beaker in front of you.
- Pour water into the beaker.
- Pour oil into beaker – observe what happens.
- Pour honey into beaker – observe what happens.
Questions & Further Research
- Can you list the liquids (water, oil, and honey) from least dense to most dense?
- Do you think the particles in the densest liquid are closer together, or further apart than the particles in the least dense liquid? Why?