Physical Science

Dancing Spaghetti

(Related Lesson: Making Slime)

Standard Statement:
3.4.4 A - Know basic concepts about the structure and properties of matter.

Content Objectives:
Students will be able to:

1.   Know about the chemical and physical properties of matter.

2.   Know the states of matter.

3.   Know the difference between chemical and physical properties and the difference between chemical and physical changes.

Process Objectives:
Students will be able to:

1.   Give examples of the states of matter.

2.   Give examples of chemical and physical properties and changes

Assessment Strategies:
Questioning

Sample questions:

1.   Was this a chemical or physical change? Explain.

2.   What states of matter did you observe?

3.   Explain the rising/sinking phenomenon.

Procedures:

1.   Place enough baking soda in container so that the bottom is covered by one-quarter to one-half inch of baking soda.

2.   Pour in water until container is about two-thirds full.

3.   Add a few drops of food coloring (optional).

4.   Very slowly and carefully, pour in one cup of vinegar.

5.   Add several strands of spaghetti that have been broken into one-inch pieces.

6.   Observe what happens.

BACKGROUND:

The spaghetti will first sink to the bottom of the container because it is denser than the liquid. As the bubbles of carbon dioxide adhere to the spaghetti, it will slowly rise to the top. When the bubbles burst, the spaghetti will fall back to the bottom. This will occur over and over again, as long as the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda continues to produce bubbles of carbon dioxide. If the reaction slows down, simply stir the container and/or add a little more vinegar to the mixture.

Suggested Level:
Grades 3-4

Standard Category:
3.4  Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics

Materials:
Sufficient quantities of the following for groups of four students:

Large clear glass or plastic container

Water

One cup vinegar

Baking soda

Eight strands of uncooked spaghetti

Food coloring (optional)

Instructional Strategies:
Group demonstration

Whole class discussion

Questioning

Related Concepts:
Density: Cartesian diver or floating/sinking egg

Substitute raisins and ginger ale