Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Different Substances React Differently

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

5

Overview

In this lesson, students will be able to explain that if they mix baking soda with two different substances in separate containers and observe different signs of chemical reactions, it must be because the two substances are different. The substances must be made from different molecules, which react differently with baking soda. Students conduct a reaction with citric acid and baking soda in a universal indicator solution. The resulting chemical reaction produces a gas, causes a color change with an indicator, and results in a decrease in temperature. Students then carry out a second reaction with calcium chloride and baking soda in the universal indicator solution. In this example, students observe the production of both a gas and a solid, a color change with the indicator, and a slight increase in temperature. Students reason that since baking soda was reacted with two different substances, it makes sense that the reactions they observed were different. Finally, students conclude that different substances have characteristic chemical reactions and that these reactions can be used to identify a substance.

    Science (2015) Grade(s): 5

    SC15.5.4

    Investigate whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances (e.g., mixing of baking soda and vinegar resulting in the formation of a new substance, gas; mixing of sand and water resulting in no new substance being formed).

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SC15.5.4

    Vocabulary

    • variables
    • states of matter
    • properties of matter
    • chemical change
    • physical change
    • evidence
    • temperature

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • When two or more different substances are mixed, a new substance with different properties may be formed.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • From a given investigation plan, describe the phenomenon under investigation, including the mixing of two or more substances.
    • Identify the purpose of the investigation.
    • Describe the evidence from data that will be collected, including quantitative and qualitative properties of the substances to be mixed and the resulting substances.
    • Collaboratively plan an investigation and describe the data to be collected, including: how quantitative and qualitative properties of the two or more substances to be mixed will be determined and measured, number of trials for the investigation, how variables will be controlled to ensure a fair test.
    • Collect necessary data.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Cause and effect relationships are identified and used to explain changes like those that occur when two or more substances are mixed together.

    Scientific and Engineering Practices

    Planning and Carrying out Investigations

    Crosscutting Concepts

    Cause and Effect
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Lesson/Unit Plan

    Resource Provider

    American Chemical Society
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
    License

    License Type

    Custom
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