Structured Inquiry Lesson

I recently conducted a structured inquiry lesson with a group of seven students who are about to enter the fifth grade. The main objective of this lesson was for my students to compare the density of an ice cube with water, vinegar, and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.






There was an equal amount of each liquid provided and students had to safely identify which liquid was in each container. By using their sense of smell, students were able to correctly identify each liquid.










Students then recorded their predictions as to whether an ice cube would sink or float in each liquid.










Students soon discovered that the ice floated in both the water and vinegar. I decided to use food coloring when making the ice cubes to enhance the visual aspects of this lesson.










Students then discovered that the ice cube sank in the isopropyl alcohol and recorded each result. They were also required to write out three statements that compared the density of an ice cube to each of the liquids.









To extend this lesson even further, I asked my students if they could think of a way to make an ice cube float in the middle of a liquid. By mixing water and isopropyl alcohol together, they were able to achieve the desired results.





I was very pleased with the overall success of this structured inquiry lesson. My students really seemed to enjoy themselves as they were engaged in the inquiry process. Below are a few examples of the completed work submitted by my students.