General Science: Observations of different white powders

This week we continued our exploration of physical and chemical properties by investigating 4 different white powders: sugar, salt, potato starch, and baking soda. The physical properties we investigated included: how each one looks under the microscope and how each one feels. As for chemical properties, we combined the powders with with vinegar and iodine and recorded the results. Finally we looked at whether any of the powders conduct electricity when dissolved in water.

The kids now have a comprehensive data sheet on these substances and their physical and chemical properties. If by chance, they should come into contact with some unknown white powder, making an identification should be a piece of cake!

One never knows when these skills and/or data might come in handy...