# data[].attributes.body
Good intro lesson on reactant and product

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is Chemistry?

Chemistry can be defined as the study of matter and how that matter undergoes change. That is a pretty boring definition that leaves out all the fun and excitement that comes with studying chemistry. Chemistry is all around you; it explains baking and why an apple turns brown when cut open. Chemistry is the secret behind some magic tricks and colorful fireworks. So when you teach your students or children about chemistry move away from using textbooks, because this subject is best learned by observation and hands on experimentation.

What is a Chemical Change?

A chemical change is when 2 substances are mixed together to form something new. This differs from a physical change, which is a substance changing physical forms but still retains its original properties. Sometimes when a mixture is made it can be hard for kids to tell if a chemical change has occurred. Such as when mixing sugar and water, the sugar appears to be no longer present so children assume a chemical change has happened when in reality the mixture can be separated back into it's original substances. There are 4 main clues that a chemical change has occurred.

1. There is a formation of gas which can be seen by a fizzing or bubbling

2. The reaction will cause heat, light or odor to be emitted

3. A color change is produced

4. A solid is formed during the change

These are good questions to have kids ask themselves while doing the experiments to help them to determine if a chemical change has occurred or if it is simply a physical change.

The Experiments:

One note before I move on to the activities. Make sure when you do scientific activities of any kind to go ask questions, go through the scientific method and have them form a hypothesis and discuss if they were correct at the end. It's good practice for more advanced science and it gets the mind working.

1. The first experiment is a very simple one that shows children how to tell if a chemical reaction has occurred by observing the formation of a gas.

Materials Needed:

Have the kids place a small amount (a couple tablespoons) of baking soda in the balloon using the funnel. Then have them pour vinegar into the bottle so it is about half full. Very carefully stretch the balloon around the top of the bottle, making sure you keep the balloon down so that the baking soda doesn't fall into the bottle just yet. Once the kids have formed their guesses have them tip the balloon up to allow the baking soda to drop into the bottle. Make sure they hold the top of the balloon so that it doesn't come off. Once they have observed the reaction, ask questions. What type of reaction occurred? How do they know? What is inside the balloon?

2. Next we have an experiment that shows how a chemical reaction can produce heat.

Materials Needed:

1 tsp of yeast

1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide

a stirring stick

a thermometer

a bowl

Pour the peroxide into the bowl and place the thermometer in the liquid. Let it sit for a few minutes until the temperature has stabilized. Have the kids record this starting temperature. Now have them make their guess as to what will happen and if it will be a chemical or physical change. Pour in the yeast and stir. The mixture should start to fizz and bubble which is a clue to the fact that a chemical reaction is happening, but have the kids keep their eye on the thermometer. They can also touch the outside of the bowl to physically feel the temperature change. Have them record the temperature the end. Were they right? What type of change occurred? What made the temperature rise?

3. Next up is the formation of a solid. You can also use baking as an example for this- bread is formed and cannot be separated back into flour and water, but this one is more fun.

Materials Needed:

3/4 cup of warm water

1 cup of glue

a large bowl

a cup

an additional 1/2 cup of warm water

2 tsp borax

a spoon

Adults: Place the 1/2 cup of warm water into a cup and stir in the 2 tsp of borax
Have the kids pour the water and glue into the bowl and stir them together. Ask them for any observations. Then have them stir while slowly pouring in the borax solution (this is a good 2 person job). Have them keep stirring until the solid forms completely. Ask for their observations. Did a chemical change occur? How do they know? This is fun experiment with a fun outcome so don't forget to let them play with the new substance for awhile!

4. The last thing to look for when trying to tell the difference between and chemical and physical reaction is the occurrence of a color change.

Material Needed:

3 test tubes with lids (or any container) filled half full with water

food coloring

3 containers: 1 containing bleach, 1 containing vinegar, 1 containing hydrogen peroxide

3 droppers

Have the kids drop a couple drops of food coloring into each of the tubes containing water. Tell them you are going to add a different liquid to each of the 3 tubes of colored water and they have to decide if a chemical change happens or not. Have them take one dropper full of the vinegar and add it to one of the colored tubes. Cap and shake, or stir, the tube. Allow them to make any observations before repeating this process with the remaining 2 liquids and tubes. The bleach will produce a change in color indicating that a chemical change has occurred.

5. And finally, here is an activity that can either be done as a demonstration or done by the kids on a smaller scale. It's called elephant toothpaste and it's even better than the exploding baking soda and vinegar. It also shows an example of a reaction that is both exothermic (gives off heat) and produces a gas.

Materials Needed:

an empty plastic soda bottle (about 16 oz)

1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide ( the 3% version you can get at the store)

1 pkg of yeast

1/4 cup of warm water

dish soap

a cup

optional: food coloring

Adults: Pour the peroxide into the bottles
Have the kids place a few drops of food coloring into the bottles with the peroxide. Add a squirt of dishsoap and swirl the bottle to mix. In the cup, mix the water and yeast and stir for a few seconds to combine. Then have them pour the yeast into the bottle with the peroxide and watch what happens! Once the reaction has completed, they can feel the foam and observe the heat that was created. What did they observe? What are the clues that a chemical change occurred?

*Note: if you want to make this a demonstration, you can use a higher percentage hydrogen peroxide. You can find 6% at beauty supply stores. And sometimes even higher online. The resulting reaction will be much bigger and more impressive, but should be done completely by an adult.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Hands-On Experiments to Teach Kids About Chemical Reactions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Chemistry can be defined as the study of matter and how that matter undergoes change. That is a pretty boring definition that leaves out all the fun and excitement that comes with studying chemistry. Chemistry is all around you; it explains baking and why an apple turns brown when cut open.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This lesson is based on California's Middle School Integrated Model of NGSS.

NGSS Performance Expectation (PE): (MS-PS1-2) Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.

Science and Engineering Practice 3: Planning and carrying out investigations

Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI): PS1.B: Chemical Reactions - In a chemical process, the atoms that make up the original substances are regrouped into different molecules, and these new substances have different properties from those of the reactants.

Crosscutting Concepts (CCC): Energy and Matter - The transfer of energy can be tracked as energy flows through a designated or natural system.

Common Core ELA Literacy/Writing Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects : (WHST.6-8.3) Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

I run this lab as a series with two other labs, Decomposing Water Lab and Surface Area Lab.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This lesson is based on California's Middle School Integrated Model of NGSS. NGSS Performance Expectation (PE): (MS-PS1-2) Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
One of the best parts of teaching middle school science is all of the hands-on activities and experiments you get to complete. When science is interactive, kids have an easier time understanding the material.

While studying chemistry, we spent some time learning about chemical reactions.

When we hear the term, chemical reaction, we usually visualize something exploding, don't we? But not all reactions are that noticeable. We're actually surrounded by chemical reactions every day without thinking about it. Reactions like rust, a match lighting, yeast in bread, or silver tarnishing.
This post contains affiliate links.
What is a Chemical Reaction?

It is when a chemical change occurs. The substances you start with react together and form something different. The reactants create a product. Bonds keeping atoms together are either broken or formed to create new molecules.

How do you know a chemical change has occurred? Look out for:

vaporization (production of gas)

precipitation (creation of a solid)

change in color

change in temperature

change in properties

In our science co-op, we learned about four types of reactions.

Synthesis

This is the simplest type of chemical reaction. Two or more reactants are combined to create a more complex product.

A + B → AB

Decomposition

This is when a compound is broken down into its separate parts.

AB → A + B

Single replacement

This occurs when an element's place in a compound is taken by another element.

A + BC → AC + B

Double replacement

In a double replacement, the ions in compounds are switched, creating a new compound.

AB + CD → AD + CB

We've been using Amazing Kitchen Chemistry Projects You Can Build Yourself for activities this year and love it!

A Chemical Reaction Middle Schoolers Will Love

This is an extremely popular experiment, that seems quite simple, but when you add in scientific questions, it makes it perfect for a middle school science lesson.
Questions to answer before you begin:
You'll need:
Inflating a Balloon with a Chemical Reaction Questions to answer during and after the experiment:

How can you use these materials to create a reaction?

What do you think will happen?

What type of change took place?

How long did it take for the reaction to occur?

What happened?

How long did the reaction continue?

What forms of matter did you observe during the experiment?

Why do baking soda and vinegar react when combined?

What is the chemical equation for this reaction?

10 Volcano Activities for Middle School from us at Education Possible
Additional Experiments to Try

Groovy Science Activity - Make Your Own Lava Lamp from us at Education Possible

50 Ways to Play with Baking Soda and Vinegar from Growing a Jeweled Rose

Kitchen Chemistry: Cake Experiment from Teach Beside Me

Watch Some Amazing Reactions

The 27 Most Impressive Chemical Reactions from Buzz Feed

What experiments have you completed to study chemical reactions?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Middle School Chemistry: Chemical Reactions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of the best parts of teaching middle school science is all of the hands-on activities and experiments you get to complete. When science is interactive, kids have an easier time understanding the material. While studying chemistry, we spent some time learning about chemical reactions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When I taught fifth grade my absolute favorite unit to teach was physical and chemical changes! While chemistry was never easy to get students to understand well, I loved the reactions students had when we had... well, reactions in the classroom.

When I taught physical changes and chemical changes we always taught students to look for certain signs that would indicate if it was a physical change or a chemical change. For instance, a physical change could be reversible and did not create a new substance. If I took an ice cube and melted it, I could reverse the process and turn my water back into ice. Even further, no matter what state the water was in, it was always just water - Good Ole' H2O!

With chemical changes though, it always produced a new substance. Students would watch for key signs like bubbles (or gas being released), or an increase in temperature (See the chart below for more signs. You can find these charts and experiments in my newest complete science unit, Physical and Chemical Changes here.).

One experiment that appears to be a chemical change but is in fact a physical change is melting a Styrofoam cup! No, not catch it on fire and burn all kinds of toxins into the air. (Anyone else remember all that from the 90's with McDonald's removing all their Styrofoam containers?). No, I melt it with chemicals. Safe chemicals! (It is not harmful to touch. At most it will dry the hands out. However be aware of the strong smell.)

To start, I break my students up into groups and provide each group with an aluminum pan and a plastic cup with a small amount of acetone in it. Acetone is the same thing that we use on our nails to remove nail polish. However, I like to use the straight product, so I go over to the paint section (or in some stores the hardware section) and grab it there. Then give each group one Styrofoam cup.

Together we review all the signs to look for with physical and chemical changes. Then I ask the students to predict what they think will occur when they pour this liquid on the Styrofoam cup. After discussing it together, I then have the students pour it on the cup. The reaction is somewhat fast, so they have to be ready!

As you pour the acetone on the cup, you see it start to bubble and melt very quickly. While it appears to be a chemical change because it produces bubbles, it's actually the trapped air being released out of the Styrofoam. Theoretically, if you were to blow air back into the cup, it could be reversible. I do allow my students to touch it. They squeeze the acetone out of the Styrofoam and then I let them mold it into whatever shape they desire. Over time the rest of the acetone evaporates out of it and it becomes a bit more firm and solid. The kids always enjoy this activity and always want to do it over and over!

I hope this lesson not only excites you, but also "changes" your thoughts about physical science!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Melting Cups - Is it a Physical Change or Chemical Change? - The Owl Teacher

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When I taught fifth grade my absolute favorite unit to teach was physical and chemical changes! While chemistry was never easy to get students to understand well, I loved the reactions students had when we had... well, reactions in the classroom. When I taught physical changes and chemical...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Posts about Chemistry written by Janelle Durham

# data[].attributes.body
Has PBL activity ideas.

# data[].attributes.body
A good way to line up lessons.

# data[].attributes.body
Students are part of a green Company that investigates chemical reactions to find a potential power source

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Crime Scene Chemistry project centers around a medical mystery: an elderly lady arrives at the hospital with health complaints and a tale of an afternoon spent baking and sampling cookies. Listening to her story, and taking into account her symptoms, the doctor suspects maybe she got her ingredients mixed up.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Directions:
Place items in cups and place cups on cookie trays. Kool-aid packet is dissolved in water. Have students predict the outcome for 1 tsp. baking soda with each of the three liquids: lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and Kool-aid water. Food coloring can be added for extra flare. Have students combine and observe.

Students record observations.

Questions to Ask Students: Why is this a chemical reaction? What are the characteristics of a chemical reaction? How do we know this is not a physical reaction?

Science and Engineering Practices

Planning and Carrying Out an Investigation

Constructing Explanations

Scale, Proportion and Quantity

PS1 Matter and Its Interaction

Interactive Notebook Ideas

Students can record their predictions and observation on a fold like this.

Students can also record the vocabulary they learn during the lesson.

This Four part fold is also great for having students plan their own investigation with another ;iquid and baking soda.

This entire lesson is written up and includes the folds and flaps shown, questions to ask and informational text to read, response page and the procedure to use. This is a great lesson that the students will just love and it is only $1.60 in my store. Chemical Reaction Lesson with Kool-Aid

Print the free pocket fold for your own file. These are great for interactive notebooks.

Would you like templates for making little books in your classroom? This super pack is full of printable templates for a variety of little books. Printable Little Book Super Pack

Please share this blog post!

Please check out this integrated lesson that includes CCSS math and reading as well as NGSS science for 5th grade. Drops of Water on A Penny

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fun Experiment with Kool-Aid Chemical Reactions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Directions: Place items in cups and place cups on cookie trays. Kool-aid packet is dissolved in water. Have students predict the outcome for 1 tsp. baking soda with each of the three liquids: lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and Kool-aid water. Food coloring can be added for extra flare.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.