Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Using Dissolving to Identify Substances

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

5

Overview

In this lesson, students will be able to plan and carry out an investigation to compare the solubility of different substances and develop and explain a particle-level model to describe the process of dissolving. Students will also be able to explain that substances dissolve in different amounts because of the molecules they are made from. Students are given labeled samples of salt and sugar. They are also given unknown samples marked A, B, and C. One is salt, one is sugar, and the other is alum, which looks like it could be either salt or sugar. Students first use a dissolving test to see how salt and sugar dissolve in water. Students then run the same dissolving test on substances A, B, and C; identify the salt and sugar; and conclude that the other substance must be something different. Students then see an animation to help explain that the substances are made of different atoms and molecules, so they dissolve differently.

    Science (2015) Grade(s): 5

    SC15.5.3

    Examine matter through observations and measurements to identify materials (e.g., powders, metals, minerals, liquids) based on their properties (e.g., color, hardness, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, response to magnetic forces, solubility, density).

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SC15.5.3

    Vocabulary

    • color
    • hardness
    • reflectivity
    • electrical conductivity
    • thermal conductivity
    • response to magnetic forces
    • solubility
    • density
    • measurement (quantitative and qualitative)
    • data
    • observable properties
    • standard units
    • conductors
    • nonconductors
    • magnetic
    • nonmagnetic

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Materials have different properties-color, hardness, reflectivity, electrical conductivity thermal conductivity, solubility, and density.
    • Measurements of a variety of properties can be used to identify materials.
    • Measurements should be made in standard units (e.g., grams & liters).

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Identify the phenomenon through observations about materials, including color, hardness, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, response to magnetic forces, and solubility.
    • Identify the evidence and collect data about the observed objects in standard units (e.g., grams, liters).
    • Collaboratively plan the investigation.
    • Identify materials based on their properties.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Standard units are used to measure and describe physical quantities of materials such as weight, time, temperature, and volume. These measurements will assist in the identification of the materials ( e.g. powders, metals, minerals, and liquids).

    Scientific and Engineering Practices

    Planning and Carrying out Investigations

    Crosscutting Concepts

    Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Lesson/Unit Plan

    Resource Provider

    Other

    Resource Provider other

    American Chemical Society
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    CUSTOM
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