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In this fascinating and fun experiment, learners use chemistry to identify a mystery powder and to solve a "crime," a process similar to that used by real forensic scientists. Learners test, observe and record data as they try to determine whether a character used baking soda or another "secret powder" to bake a cake. The answer that is found "proves" whether the character is innocent or guilty. This activity may be combined with other projects related to forensic science, or with a writing activity to create stories about "crimes" that can be solved using science.
- 30 to 45 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 6 - 11
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Data table
- Pencil
- Purple grape juice
- White vinegar
- Iodine
- 3 cups, each with 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 3 cups, each with 1 teaspoon of flour
- 3 cups, each with 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 3 cups, each with 1 teaspoon of the "mystery substance"
- 3 pipettes or eyedroppers
- Paper towels
- Sticky notes (to use as labels)
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Chemistry
- Chemical Reactions
- Acids and Bases
-
Chemistry
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Crime Science
- Food and Cooking
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
- 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:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- WGBH
Source Collection
- Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman
Rights:
- All rights reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, 2008
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, 0714741
- Public television viewers
- Greendog