What s the Matter? An experiment demonstrating the 3 stages of matter. Michelle Garner Laura Williams

Transcription

1 What s the Matter? An experiment demonstrating the 3 stages of matter. Michelle Garner Laura Williams Introduction to Physical Science Ms. C. Dianne Phillips, Instructor

2 Introduction There are three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas; these three states of matter can be shown by using a simple, but interesting science experiment. A liquid has a definite volume, but no shape (examples include water, milk, and soda). Gases have no definite shape or definite volume (examples include oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide). When a liquid is frozen, it becomes a solid and takes on a definite shape (ice cream, ice cubes, and snow). Liquid nitrogen is an interesting example of a liquid that is very cold. When this liquid is exposed to room temperature, it evaporates, warms up, and becomes a gas we cannot see. Through this simple lesson and experiment, students will be able to witness the transformation from a liquid to a solid and then to a gas. Please be aware of the safety concerns when using liquid nitrogen and take appropriate measures to ensure safety of both the participants as well as audience.

3 What s The Matter? Lesson Plan submitted by Michelle Garner and Laura Williams Grade Level: 3-4 Introduction There are three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas; these three states of matter can be shown by using a simple, but interesting science experiment. A liquid has a definite volume, but no shape (examples include water, milk, and soda). Gases have no definite shape or definite volume (examples include oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide). When a liquid is frozen, it becomes a solid and takes on a definite shape (ice cream, ice cubes, and snow). Liquid nitrogen is an interesting example of a liquid that is very cold. When this liquid is exposed to room temperature, it evaporates, warms up, and becomes a gas we cannot see. Through this simple lesson and experiment, students will be able to witness the transformation from a liquid to a solid and then to a gas. Please be aware of the safety concerns when using liquid nitrogen and take appropriate measures to ensure safety of both the participants as well as audience. I. Objective(s): Students will be able to name the three states of matter. Students will be able to identify solids, liquids, and gases. Students will be able to state the properties of the different states of matter. Students will be able to compare and contrast the properties of the different states of matter. Students demonstrate and apply knowledge using appropriate safety procedures and technology.

4 II. Prerequisite Vocabulary Gas Liquid Solid Nitrogen Properties A fluid with no shape or volume that can expand indefinitely Something that is free flowing, takes the shape of its container and has a definite volume The solid state of matter is when the material has a definite volume or size and distinct shape at a given temperature. A colorless, tasteless, odorless, gas element found in our atmosphere. The particular characteristics or traits of something III. Materials: Three Stainless Steel Bowls Wire whisk Dropper Safety Goggles Slotted metal Spoon Insulated Gloves Small serving cups and spoons 1 qt. heavy whipping cream 1 ½ quart half and half 1½ cup of sugar 5 teaspoons vanilla extract 5 liters liquid nitrogen

5 IV. Procedures: **WARNING!** Do NOT allow the liquid Nitrogen to touch any exposed body parts or place it into any sealed containers. Also, be sure to use liquid nitrogen in a well ventilated area. In stainless steel bowl, mix well the heavy whipping cream, half and half, sugar, and vanilla. Be sure to mix the ingredients with wire whisk until the sugar has dissolved into the milk and cream. While wearing safety goggles and gloves, pour some of the liquid nitrogen into second stainless steel bowl. Take the dropper, and withdraw small amounts of cream, releasing the droplets into the liquid nitrogen. You can see the droplets bead up and transform from a liquid into a solid. Remove the dots with a slotted spoon and place them into the third bowl. The dots can be placed into a freezer to warm up. Eat and enjoy! V. Skills used: Hypothesizing Observing Noting Cause-and-Effect Relationships Drawing Conclusions VI. Standards PS PS NS Demonstrate physical changes in matter. Compare and contrast solids and liquids. Apply lab safety rules as they relate to specific science lab activities (see Arkansas Lab Safety Guide).

6 VII. Conclusion and Evaluation After concluding the experiment, students can discuss their findings and observations, such as when matter changes from a liquid into a solid. They will also be able to explain why the liquid (which was room temperature) turned into a solid upon entering the liquid nitrogen (which is 196 degrees below zero celcius, or 321 degreees below zero Farenheit). Because of the temperature of the LN2, as it burns, or enters the atmosphere, it becomes a gas. Ask students to describe liquid-to-gas transitions and gas-to-liquid transitions. Have students share what they observed and learned about liquid nitrogen and materials that become very cold. Review what they observed from smashing things, doing activities and making ice cream. Listen for evidence that they understand the effect of cold temperature on materials.