Lab: Magic Bubble FOR THE TEACHER Summary In this lesson, students will create and interpret particle diagrams that represent elements and compounds at the molecular level. They will also describe the process of dissolving and create particle diagrams that represent mixtures at the molecular level. Grade Level High school Objectives By the end of this lesson, students should be able to Understand mixing. Use macroscopic observations to explain what happens on the microscopic level. Chemistry Topics This lesson supports students’ understanding of Mixing Particles Particle diagrams Time Teacher Preparation: 1 hour first time, 15 minutes after initial set up Lesson: 1 class period Materials 12 glass tubes 30-cm long and 0.5-cm inner diameter (for students) 24 corks or stoppers to fit the glass tube Glass tube (3 m x 2 cm) 2 corks or stoppers to fit the large glass tube 24 beral thin stem pipets 12 small beakers or cups 1 L of water 1 L of isopropyl alcohol (70% or 90%, from the store) Food coloring 1 large culture tube with screw top Aquarium gravel Sand Safety Always wear safety goggles when working with chemicals in a lab setting. When using alcohol, keep it away from an open flame. Teacher Notes See Chemistry Solutions article Magic Bubbles
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FOR THE STUDENT Student Activity Sheet: Magic Bubbles Lesson Purpose Create and interpret particle diagrams, which represent elements and compounds at the molecular level. Describe the process of dissolving and create particle diagrams that represent mixtures at the particulate level. Materials Glass tubes 30-cm long and 1.5-cm inner diameter 2 corks or stoppers to fit the glass tube 2 Beral thin stem pipets Beaker or cup Blue liquid Yellow liquid Procedure
1. Cork one end of a glass tube. (Yes, it is glass so be careful!!) 2. Fill the tube about half way with the blue liquid. 3. Completely fill the rest of the tube with the yellow liquid. Make sure you have a distinct blue layer and a distinct yellow layer. Avoid mixing the two liquids by slowly pouring the liquid down the side of the tube. 4. Place the corked end firmly on a hard surface and cork the open end so that no bubble forms. 5. Firmly holding both corks, begin turning the tube back and forth to mix the liquids. For the first few turns, hold and exert pressure on both corks to avoid “eruptions.” Continue to mix the liquids until they are completely mixed and the liquid is green. 6. If bubbles appear during this mixing, empty the tube and repeat the procedure. Do not repeat the experiment more than three times. 7. Record your observations and explain your observations. Include a particulate model with your explanation. Conclusion Use a particle diagram to explain what happened in this activity.
