Mixtures and Separation

Can you separate the parts of a mixture without causing a chemical reaction?

Through a series of science challenges, students discover different properties of matter and use them to separate mixtures. They work with density, particle size, magnetism and solubility to find out how scientists isolate the parts of a mixture.

Students observe, make hypotheses, experiment and choose the best technique to solve each separation challenge.

A concrete, interactive way to understand the difference between a mixture and a compound, while discovering techniques used in science and industry.

Learning goals (elementary)

• Tell mixtures apart from pure substances and compounds.
• Understand that the parts of a mixture can be separated using their physical properties.
• Discover separation techniques such as filtering, sieving, decanting, flotation and magnetic separation.
• Understand how density and particle size can be used to separate the parts of a mixture.
• Observe, make hypotheses and choose the right method to solve a separation problem.
• Try out separation techniques through hands-on, interactive science challenges.

Learning goals (secondary)

• Tell a pure substance, a mixture and a compound apart.
• Explain how the parts of a mixture can be separated using their physical properties, without a chemical reaction.
• Choose a suitable separation technique based on the properties of a mixture’s parts.
• Explain the role of properties such as density, particle size, magnetism and solubility in separation processes.
• Analyze a mixture and justify the choice of a separation method from its properties.
• Connect the techniques tried in class with their uses in science, industry and everyday life.