Chemistry teacher Jack Forrest carries out a number of quick and simple experiments with his year 7?s to reinforce the idea that mass is always conserved. First, students mix colourless solutions of potassium iodide and lead nitrate together, to form a bright yellow mixture, clearly showing a chemical reaction has taken place. They weigh the solutions before and after mixing and observe that mass remains the same. Jack then demonstrates a classic Carbonate reaction, reacting marble chips and hydrochloric acid. Knowing mass is conserved; the group discuss why the mass decreases in this reaction. Finally, he finishes of by cooking popcorn kernels, which increase in volume when boiled, but the mass stays the same. Jack, a chemistry teacher at Stocksbridge High School finds these short, snappy experiments work well with lower age groups.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Great ideas, will try them.
this really helped me understand more about mass
Brilliant way of looking at the conservation of mass without having to do the traditional salt water and sugar water practicals. Ended up doing a circus of practicals, gave students 5 minutes per station to record the mass, note any changes to the mass and give a brief description of what was happening. The marble chips was good for students to think about. Great stuff :)
Thank you for sharing your resource. This resource has been recommended by the TES Resource Team for its relevance to the 2014 National Curriculum
Thank-you for uploading this. I am trying to incorporate more practical work into my KS4 lessons. Will do these experiments after half term. Love the idea of the pop corn.
Report this resourceto let us know if it violates our terms and conditions.
Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.
£0.00