Separation of a Mixture: Physical Properties of Matter Kit

Grades 4-5.

After a classroom discussion of matter and the fact that matter may differ from other matter in a variety of ways, students will examine three different solids individually and observe some differences in physical properties. Sand, iron filings, and salt will be observed and tested using water and magnets. Based on individual findings, students will then come up with a method as a class or in small groups to separate a mixture of all three. Includes a bottle each of sand, salt, and iron filings, a bottle containing all three mixed in equal volumes, magnets, plastic cups, and magnifiers. For six groups of students.