Use this funny clip to introduce density without being boring
- Brennan Koch
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
I taught density to my grade level chemistry class this week. Have they learned density before? Yes. Do they use the concept of density correctly? No. I used this humorous video from Monty Python to help them think about the difference between density and mass. It’s a fun and effective way to start the conversation, as long as you aren’t a witch.
I started the video at :40 because I find the chanting monks stupid. Welcome to Monty Python. Stupid followed by hilarious followed by stupid…
The setup and the logic
Play the video until 2:41 when the peasant starts the logic trail. What do we do with witches? Burn them. And what do we burn aside from witches? Wood. Therefore? Witches are made of wood. The kids find the logic funny (and obviously nonsensical) but stick with it. The logic continues. Does wood sink in water? No, it floats. What else floats in water? Allow the peasants to answer the question and then pause at 3:16.
Ask the kids if the peasant answers are right or wrong, and why.
Bread. Apples. Very small rocks. Cider. Gravy. Cherries. Mud. Churches. Lead.
I love the answer of very small rocks. It’s funny. But ask the kids why very small rocks is a bad answer. The answer I got from the students (and had to shake my head) was, “Very small rocks are too heavy.” Really? A very small rock is too heavy to float, but a cruise ship will float? It can’t be about the mass. This gives you an opportunity to identify what mass really is. Many students will know that it is about density. This gives you a chance to define it for everyone. And then the clip gives us the shocking (gasp) correct answer, which is, “a duck.”
Students correct the logic
At 3:26, the logic string is defined. I let it play until 3:41. One the peasants claim that if the witch weighs the same as a duck, she is made of wood, and therefore she’s a witch. Have the students change the peasant’s logic stream to be more scientifically correct. They change the word “weigh” for “has the same density.”
Students identify what property the scale measures
Run the video until the end of the clip (which I stop at 4:26). Have the students identify what property of the witch and the duck they actually attempted to quantify. They see that it is not density but mass.
Jump into your density lesson
This video lets you jump straight into your density lesson. You take it where you want to go. Intrinsic versus extrinsic properties? Check. Equation for density? Check. Density of water? Check. It’s your lesson now. The students like to laugh and they like to think. This mini lesson does both.
Now you, who are so wise in the ways of science may triumphantly ride into your future (with coconuts clacking behind you.)
Interested in more ways to make chemistry fun? Try Stoich Decks games! Use the curriculum-driven games to help the students engage on a whole new level. Check them out today.
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