Solubility Experiment

5th Grade
Time Needed: 1 Hour (1 class)
Standards Addressed:
Concept 1 PO 2. Formulate predictions in the realm of science based on observed cause and
effect relationships.
Concept 2 PO 1. Demonstrate safe behavior and appropriate procedures (e.g., use and
care of technology, materials, organisms) in all science inquiry.
Concept 2 PO 4. Measure using appropriate tools (e.g., ruler, scale, balance) and units
of measure (i.e., metric, U.S. customary).
Concept 2 PO 5. Record data in an organized and appropriate format (e.g., t-chart,
table, list, written log).
Concept 3 PO 1. Analyze data obtained in a scientific investigation to identify trends and
form conclusions.
Concept 3 PO 4. Develop new investigations and predictions based on questions that
arise from the findings of an investigation.
Objective: Students will be able to analyze the solubility of certain substances.
Students will be able to form predictions of the solubility of other substances.
Materials:
M&Ms
Cups
Paper Towels
Markers
Worksheet for activity
Measuring tool for volume
Plastic spoons
Magnifying glasses
Temperature gun
Room temp water, hot water, cold water
Anticipatory set: Ask students what the word dissolve means. I will pass out the activity
worksheet. We will read question one as a class. The question is, Does the temperature of the
water affect how fast the colored coating dissolves on an M&M? I will give students 3-5 minutes
to talk to their groups about this question, and then have them write their prediction on a sticky
note. I will have students put their sticky notes on the board. Students will then answer the first
two questions on the worksheet as a group. This should take about 10 minutes.
Modeling:
I will assign roles for each member of the group.
1- time manager
2- recorder
3- materials master
4- speaker
I will model how to do the experiment by showing them how to properly hold their materials and
use the materials so that they are safe and effective with the experiment. Specifically, I will
model how to measure using a beaker (Measuring volume). We will also review what variables
are and how we can control them. As a class, we will finalize our experimental design. I will
encourage all groups to test using warm, room-temperature, and cold water.
Independent Practice:
Use small pieces of paper to label each of the three plates cold, room-temp, and hot.
Pour cold, room-temp and hot water into their labeled cups. Have students measure how much
water they will use so that they can be consistent.
With the help of your partners, place a same-colored M&M in the center of each cup. Observe
for 1 minute.
Record your observations on the activity sheet.
Closure: Have students share their observations. Ask students what differences they saw and
how they measured these differences. Revisit the question: Does water temperature affect how
fast the colored coating dissolves from and M&M? Introduce solubility. Form their own
definition.
Extension: Compare different M&M colors. Create a graph of their choice that represents the
data.