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PHYSICAL
SCIENCES – MATTER
LESSON 2.
Conservation of Matter - Lab
Materials:
baking soda
beaker (100 ml)
effervescent tablets
electronic scale (or triple beam)
Erlenmeyer Flask (250 ml)
graduated cylinders
ice
measuring spoons (ml)
salt
vinegar
zip lock baggies
Objective: Understanding the nature of matter.
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Teacher Notes:
Ask
students "Do you think matter can be created or destroyed?"
If it can't be created where does it come from? Then
ask if matter can be destroyed why do we still have any
matter left? Where does it go? Understanding matter is not
easy.
In this experiment
students will test several changes of states of matter to
determine if mass is created or destroyed during reactions.
This lab allows students to discover the law of conservation
of matter through simple experiments which sometimes goes
against their "obvious" prediction.
This will help them to remember and explain why
matter cannot be created or destroyed.
Go over directions
in the readings to assure they understand how to keep a
closed system so gases do not escape.
Note you can adjust the amounts by what you may have
on hand.
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ANSWERS:
In all the
reactions used in this experiment the total amount of mass before and
after should be the same. However, depending on how careful the
students are will depend on the end results. You can use different
amounts, depending on the precision of your scale or triple beam
balance. If you use a triple beam balance, make sure the students know
how to read them. |