Molecules in Motion

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In this activity, learners add food coloring to hot and cold water to see whether heating or cooling affects the speed of water molecules. Learners watch molecular model animations to see the effect of heating and cooling on the molecules of a liquid. Learners will also draw their own molecular model.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Hot water (about 50 °C) in a clear plastic cup
  • Cold water in a clear plastic cup
  • Yellow food coloring in a small cup
  • Blue food coloring in a small cup
  • 4 droppers
  • Goggles

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Chemistry
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Chemistry Society, 2011