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Learners investigate how temperature affects the rate of chemical reactions by observing how steel wool reacts with various types of Kool-Aid solutions at different temperatures. The reaction is monitored as the color fades in the Kool-Aid solutions. Background information includes how the dyes change color from an oxidation-reduction reaction. Extensions include investigating how surface area and concentration affect reaction rate. Part of the "No Hassle Messy Science with a Wow" activity guide by OMSI, where all activities use only household materials.
- 4 to 24 hours
- 30 to 45 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 6 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 1 pad fine grade (#000 or #0000) steel wool
- 1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid (flavor suggestions: grape, black cherry, cherry, strawberry, watermelon-cherry, orange)
- 4 clear plastic cups, 4 oz or larger
- 1 plastic spoon
- 1 stopwatch or clock with second hand
- 1 roll masking tape
- access to hot water
- access to refrigerator
- 3 pop-top squeeze bottles
- paint color strip samples from paint store (optional) see video for details
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Chemistry
- Chemical Reactions
- Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
- Solutions
-
Chemistry
Informal Categories
- Food and Cooking
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- read
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Foreign language versions of this resource:
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, 2007
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation
- Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation