2026-2027

Two independent camps were organized in April 2026. The theme for the camps was ‘Learn all about  density’

First camp was organized on April 7th and 8th at ‘Kuvempu Centenary Model Higher Primary School’, Nalyapadavu, Shaktinagara Mangaluru 575016. It is one of the many ‘PMShri’ schools of Karnataka. 20 students from class 7 th attended the camp. We first tried to give them an intuitive feel as to what density means by giving them objects same volume but different weight. We then asked them to estimate the volume by measuring the lengths breadths and height of cuboids, followed by volume expelled from overflow jars. Weight of these cuboids was taken to determine the density.

We then brought out the difference between the objects that float and objects that sink. This was a prelude to explain the principle on which lactometer functions. We then showed how lactometer responds when allowed to float in undiluted and diluted milk. During the above exercise, we dwelled on many issues, related to experimentation such as errors associated with measurements as compared to counting, parallax error etc.

To espouse a sense of curiosity we set up two bottles containing some liquid. In one of the bottles, egg sank and remained at the bottom. In the other, the egg remained floating halfway. Students were trying to explain this observation based on their understanding of density. At the end of the first day we told them that the second bottle was half filed with saturated solution of salt and next half was with water, while the first bottle had only water. It is because of the difference in density of water and salt solution, the egg in the second bottle remains halfway. Interestingly, many students tried to replicate this experiment at home without much success. This is simply because the concentration of the salt was not sufficient to achieve the density required to keep the egg floating.

Second camp was organized from 9th to 11th Std at the facility of VET near Mundkoor. 10 students from class 8th and 9 th of Vidyavardhaka School participated. In addition to carrying the experiments discussed above, students performed many experiments independently. Students were allowed to determine the volume by measuring length, breadth and height of blocks of varying sizes of Steel, Aluminum and plastic cuboids. Their corresponding weights were taken. Different volume and weight of water as used as a reference. This data was tabulated and graphs were drawn. Form this graph density was determined. During this exercise, why and how to draw graphs was discussed in detail. Following this set of experiment, the question as to why a ship made of steel doesn’t sink, although its density is more than that of water. They were given numerical problems to calculate how much load a boat would carry, given the density of the material used for making a boat. In addition to the above the nature of buoyant force was discussed after determining the actual buoyant force of steel object weighing 500 gram weight.