HOW IT WORKS
The Mystery Powders enables students to
demonstrate their knowledge of physical science, the scientific method, and
technology in a cooperative learning environment.
They explore the chemical and physical
properties of matter, study the periodic table of
elements, and consider atomic number and mass,
chemical symbols, electron configuration, and
bonding power. They work in pairs on the Interactive
Periodic Table program, which is designed to reinforce their
knowledge of chemical symbols, atomic number, bond types
such as covalent and ionic, and characteristics
that the families of elements share.
Next, the students work in groups of 3 to 4.
Each group gets a lab kit containing goggles;
lab coats; 5 cups (labeled A-E) of white
substances such as baking powder, baking soda,
starch, gelatin, and salt; 5 spoons; 4 dropper
bottles filled with vinegar, water, biuret
solution, and iodine; neutral litmus paper; and a laminated
test mat. Lab safety rules and procedures are
reviewed. Each group has one researcher, one
recorder, and one data entry person. All students
perform all the tests on the substances. They are
given the chemical formulas and hypothesize
about what powder is in each cup. They record
their hypotheses on lab worksheets.
The students begin by placing a spoonful of
powder A in each of the four boxes on the test
mat. They record all test results on a data chart
provided on the worksheet. The first box is for
observation of physical properties (color,
texture, and whether it is a crystal or powder). The
next three boxes are for chemical properties
(pH and whether or not it contains protein,
starch, or carbon dioxide). Students wipe the
test mats clean and begin again with powder B
and so on. When all powders have been tested, the data entry person enters the results
on a computer spreadsheet setup. The researcher uses the Interactive Periodic
Table program to match the chemical and physical
properties of the powders to the elements.
They research the individual elements that
make up each compound and look for information on how the
elements are used in compounds. Students use the research and
experiment results to identify the substance in each
cup, answer critical thinking questions, and
write a lab report.
THE STUDENTS
Over a hundred seventh grade students in
classes of 30-32 with various technology
backgrounds use an interdisciplinary approach to
identifying The Mystery Powders. During daily
science classes, they work cooperatively to
perform tests, and record data and research.
This project can be adapted to various achievement
levels and used with small or large group instruction.
THE STAFF
Janice Dalton has been teaching science for
seven years and currently teaches seventh grade physical science at the Bay Academy
for the Arts and Sciences. She is chairperson of
the leadership team for the school, and has
been using The Mystery Powders in her class
for two years with highly successful results.
WHAT YOU NEED
The project requires either a classroom or lab
room if one is available, a minimum of two
computers, word-processing and spreadsheet
software, encyclopedias and the Interactive
Periodic Table software. The program also requires laboratory worksheets that list
materials and procedures, and a test mat.
OVERALL VALUE
The Mystery Powders is an interdisciplinary project
that encourages interdependence. All group
members have a stake in the success of their
group. Through research and experimentation,
the students enhance their knowledge of chemicals, chemical equations,
compounds, and their common uses. Students utilize
computer technology to facilitate each step of the
project. Critical thinking, report writing, and
cooperative learning are emphasized.
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