Lesson 3: Powder Power: Solutions or Suspensions Copy

Lesson 3: Powder Power!

Don’t let our sneaky cash-snatcher get away! The plot thickens (and so do some solutions—or are they suspensions?) as students experiment with different mysterious white powders.

This lesson requires some extra “set-up” before it begins. Read through the set-up instructions carefully.

Lesson Objectives

  • Conduct a solubility test to determine if powders create solutions or suspensions
  • Test and record observations of various powders and their reactions
  • Identify crime scene evidence based on recorded data

Next, simply click the links below for further instructions and steps on how to get started!

Instructor

  • black marker
  • masking tape
  • 50 portion cups
  • wipes
  • container for water
  • vinegar
  • funnel
  • 20 dropper bottles
  • wooden splint
  • plastic cup
  • 1 sheet of dark construction paper
  • tablespoon
  • powders: baking soda, Plaster of Paris, powdered sugar, salt
  • 5 sheets of light-colored construction paper
  • Student Book pages (on Resource CD)

Students (Groups of Three)

  • 3 pencils
  • 1 dropper bottle of vinegar
  • 1 dropper bottle of water
  • 5 plastic portion cups
  • 3 hand lenses
  • 1 sheet of dark construction paper
  • 5 wooden splints
  • wipes
  • 1 foam plate
  • 1 black marker
  • 1 pair of scissors
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