Stir crazy

Substances that dissolve in water.

Be careful when handling the various substances you choose for this investigation.

Do not drink any of the solutions you produce.

PLAN

Obtain a selection of different substances.

Add them to water and stir.

Observe whether the substances dissolve.

I WILL NEED

A supply of water.

Containers (preferably made of glass - so you can observe what happens).

Stirrer.

Various substances (e.g.: salt, sugar, sand, chalk, baking soda, talcum powder, flour, cornflour, gravy powder, coffee granules, pepper, etc.)

Paper and pencil.

FAIR TEST

Does it matter how much water you use?

Does it matter how long you stir for?

PREDICTION

Make a prediction for each substance.

Is it soluble or not?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

Place a certain amount of water in a container.

Add one of the substances bit by bit while stirring the water.

Observe what happens.

Repeat with different substance.

COLLECT

DATA

Record clearly and neatly.

ANALYSE

DATA

This should be really straight-forward.

PRESENT

FINDINGS

What is the best way to show your findings?

Perhaps you could make an illustrated chart?

EVALUATE

INVESTIGATION

How useful was this investigation?

Are there any changes you could have made to discover even more than you did?

If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website.  It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post.  Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.

Dissolving