Gold Seal Lesson:
Mystery Mixtures

Copernicus Education Gateway

 

Subject:

Science

Grade:

 

 

5-8

 

 

ICLE Standards:

 

 

Scientific Inquiry: Develop abilities of scientific inquiry.

Physical Science: Develop an understanding of properties and changes of properties in matter.

 

 

Performance Task:

 

 

Note to the teacher: For this task each student is to be given 4 common substances: baking soda, cornstarch, flour, and salt. These substances could be placed in small plastic bags, paper cups, etc. You will also need some "mystery mixtures" that are combinations of two of these four substances.

This inquiry requires you to identify four common household substances and to determine which substances are in a given mixture. First, you are to observe the physical and chemical properties of each of the four substances. Predict from just looking at the substances what you think they are. Then complete a property analysis as outlined below on each substance to determine scientifically what each is.

  1. Observe each substance with a magnifying glass.
  2. Rub a small amount of each substance between your fingers.
  3. Add water, iodine, and vinegar to small amounts of each substance.

Make a property analysis chart of your inquiry.

Now get at least two "mystery mixtures" from your teacher. A mystery mixture contains two of the four substances that you previously identified. Perform the property analysis on these mixtures. Record your observations and identify the two substances contained in each mystery mixture. Write a complete laboratory report of your inquiry. The property analysis chart should be included in your report.

 

 

Knowledge / Skills:

 

 

Know and apply the principles of scientific inquiry.  (xs1)

Exhibit good data management skills by collecting, organizing, and graphing data.  (s19)

Know how to classify matter as a substance or mixture.  (s69)

Understand the historical development of the periodic table and that the atomic number is the basis of the arrangement of the periodic table.  (Custer - Understand the historical development of the periodic table and apply the principles inherent in its d

Follow written directions carefully and accurately.  (ela6)

Use writing as a tool for learning in formats such as learning logs, laboratory reports, note-taking, and journals.  (ela40)

 

 

Keywords:

 

 

CHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY IN DAILY LIFE
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
LAB EXPERIMENTS
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
DATA COLLECTION
TECHNICAL WRITING

 

 

 

Grades:

 

 

Kg [] - 1 [] - 2 [] - 3 [] - 4 [] - 5 [X] - 6 [X] - 7 [X] - 8 [X] - 9 [] - 10 [] - 11 [] - 12 []

 

 

ICLE Application:

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

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