Physical Science

Molecules in Motion

Standard Statement:
3.4.7 A - Describe concepts about the structure and properties of matter.

Content Objectives:
Students will be able to:

Know the relationship between molecular motion and the states of matter

(KMT) Kinetic Molecular Theory.

Process Objectives:
Students will be able to:

Observe the effect of temperature on states of matter and relate the observations to molecular motion (KMT).

Assessment Strategies:
Evaluation of Lab Report – (See Attachment I)

1.   How many seconds did it take to completely disperse in the room temperature water?

2.   What happened when one or two ice cubes were placed in a new cup of room temperature water?

3.   How many seconds did it take for the food coloring to completely disperse in the cold water?

4.   How did the alcohol affect the room temperature solution?

5.   How many seconds did it take for the coloring to disperse completely in the warm water?

6.   What happens when a few drops of dish soap are added to room temperature water?

Procedures:

1.   Distribute the materials to each student group.

2.   Place a drop of food coloring in a cup of room temperature of water. Observe and record findings.

3.   Place one or two ice cubes in a new cup of room temperature water. Observe and record findings.

4.   Place a drop of food coloring in the cold water. Observe and record findings.

5.   Place a drop of food coloring in a new cup of room temperature water. Add a few drops of alcohol. Observe and record findings.

6.   Place a drop of food coloring in a cup of warm water. Observe and record findings. 

Suggested Level:
Grades 3-7

Standard Category:
3.4  Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics

Materials:
Per group of four:

Food coloring (red or blue)

Watch

Water

Eyedroppers

Warm water

Rubbing alcohol

Dish soap

Ice cubes

Plastic cups

Small plastic bags

Instructional Strategies:
Modeling

Inquiry

Related Concepts:
“When Hot and Cold Meet,” AIMS ©1990

“How Temperature Affects the Motion of Molecules,” American Chemical Society (ACS) ©1998

3.4.7 A  - Molecules in Motion

Assessment Strategies

Lab Report

Name: _______________________________

Date: ________________

1.   Place a drop of food coloring in a cup of room temperature water. How many seconds did it take to completely disperse in the water?

2.   Place one or two ice cubes in a new cup of room temperature water. Place a drop of food coloring on an ice cube. What happened?

3.   Place a drop of food coloring in the cold water. How many seconds did it take for the food coloring to completely disperse in the cold water?

4.   Place a drop of food coloring in a new cup of room temperature water. Add a few drops of alcohol. How did the alcohol affect the solution?

5.   Place a drop of food coloring in a cup of warm water. How many seconds did it take for the food coloring to disperse completely in the warm water?

6.   Place another drop of food coloring in a new cup of room temperature water. Then add a few drops of dish soap to the water. What happened?