Six pairs of same-size boxes, each filled with a countable number of dots, open this 3-page 5th grade sheet. Students count the dots in Box A and Box B, such as 4 and 12 or 16 and 6, and circle the denser box or write same. Page 2 has a four-word bank for four sentences about mass, volume and density, then a photo of a bowling ball beside a beach ball of equal size. The answer key lists every dot count.
5-PS1-1
“Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.”
The dots stand for particles, and the six pairs show more or fewer packed into the same volume.
5-PS1-3
“Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.”
The bowling ball and beach ball question compares two objects by a property, density, using mass and volume.
Six boxed pairs with a blank for each dot count and a line for the denser box. Pairs 2 and 6 have equal counts.
Four sentences finished from the word bank mass, volume, denser and divide.
A photo of a bowling ball and a beach ball of the same size. Students say which is denser, using the words mass and volume.
Every dot count with the denser box, the four completed sentences and a model answer about the two balls.
Count in pairs
Partners count each box separately and compare totals before they circle. Pairs 2 and 6 have equal counts, so they catch students who circle the box that only looks fuller.
Bring the balls
If you have a heavy ball and a light ball of equal size, pass them round before question 5. Students feel the mass difference first.
Divide
Sentence 3 uses the word divide. It is a good point to introduce mass divided by volume before students calculate density.
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