It provides for an integration of math and science, requires simple measurements, includes controls, and requires logical thinking. To save on the number of models required, we recommend that the teacher provide a couple of each type and then circulate the models during the period. Once the volume of the actual animal is calculated this number can be multiplied by the density of flesh of the animal to yield the estimated mass of the actual animal.
Most animals have an overall density close to the density of water.
After the masses of the animals are obtained using the displacement method and calculations just described, the calculated masses of the modern animal could be compared to the known masses of the actual animals. This comparison offers the student the opportunity to estimate how close the dinosaur calculations may be to the actual masses of these extinct beasts. Students should be familiar with how to use the displacement method to measure volume. Students should understand the relationship between volume, mass, and density. Teacher Instructions 1.