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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2004  > September  >
Chemistry for Everyone
JCE Classroom Activity
Bowling for Density!
Kathleen Holley and Diana Mason
Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203

Kirk Hunter
Department of Chemical Technology, Texas State Technical College, Waco, TX 76705
Cover
September 2004
Vol. 81 No. 9
p. 1312A
Abstract
Density is one of many physical properties that are studied in first-year chemistry or physical science courses. Determining the density of an object or liquid is a routine laboratory activity in these classes and is easily adapted to inquiry-based methods. In this Activity, students are to decide whether or not an assigned bowling ball will float or sink in water. They must make their prediction based on a mathematical determination, as they are not permitted to place the bowling ball in water until it is time to test their hypotheses. Students gain practice in various measurement techniques as well as calculations involving unit conversions and geometric formulas. Testing materials for this Activity are available as donations from local bowling alleys, and measurement devices used are commonly found at home. Using household equipment permits students to extend their experimentation beyond the classroom to other solid objects. Since most students are familiar with the sport of bowling, the results of this Activity also gives them a new perspective on a real-world experience. Golf balls and marbles can be used to extend this Activity.

Figure 1. Bowling ball donated by a local bowling alley.

Figure 2. Buoyant bowling ball floating in a trashcan filled with tap water.
Supplement
Sample student procedures and a data table are available.
*  Contents JCE2004p1312AW.doc (Microsoft Word)
 
*  Download



 
More Information
*  Citation
 Holley, Kathleen; Mason, Diana S.; Hunter, Kirk. J. Chem. Educ. 2004 81 1312A.
*  Keywords
 Inquiry-Based / Discovery Method; Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary; Introductory / High School Chemistry; Physical Properties
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 July 28, 2004
August 13, 2004
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