Plan
- What do you know about mixtures and solutions?
- What materials do you need for this activity?
- How long will this activity take to complete?
Do
- Discuss the difference between a mixture and a solution
- Mixture: When two or more kinds of matter are put together
- Solution: A homogenous mixture that is formed when a liquid, solid or gas is dissolved into a liquid
- Gather your materials
- Set up 3 cups filled with water
- In the first cup, add in pebbles or sand and stir it with a spoon. Is this a mixture or a solution? (Mixture because the sand and water stay separate, and the sand does not dissolve)
- In the second cup, add a spoonful of salt to the water and stir. Is this a mixture or a solution? (Solution because the salt dissolves or disappears in the liquid)
- In the third cup, add a spoonful of oil and stir. Is this a mixture or solution? (Micture because the two liquids do not mix and stay separate from eachother)
- Once observing the above reactions, use your other materials to test your theories on what combinations will equal a mixture and what will create a solution
Review
- What did you learn that you did not know before?
- Why are mixtures and solutions so important?
- What common mixtures and solutions do you know of?
- Can you separate mixtures and solutions? How?
Materials
- Water
- Cups (to mix your liquids/solids in)
- Spoons to stir
- Pebbles or sand
- Salt
- Oil (vegetable/baby oil, etc)
- Other liquids (soda, vinegar, mouth wash, hot or cold water, juice, etc.)
- Other solids (flour, baking soda, cotton candy, etc.)
Keep it Simple
- Discuss the definitions of solutions and mixtures. Brainstorm some common solutions and mixtures that you know of (could be things like kool-aid, household cleaners, powdered juice)
Take it Further
- This activity will make you think quick on your feet! Grab a ball and stand in a circle. Toss the ball to one another. When you catch the ball, name a mixture that you know of. You can play another round where you name just solutions.
