Name:_______________________________________ Date:_____________ Grade:_____
Background: A mixture is __________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Materials:
Scale
Sand
Salt
Iron filings
Large test tubes
Test tube rack
Test tube stopper
Watch glass
Magnet
Plastic bag
Large beaker
Water
Filter paper
Funnel
Marker pencil
Procedure:
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You must separate a mixture of sand, salt,
and iron filings. What properties will you use to
separate each ingredient? What technique will you
employ for each separation?
Problem:
Hypothesis
Ingredient
Properties
Technique
Sand
Salt
Iron
Measure out 4 grams each of sand, salt, and iron filings. Take detailed observations.
Pour all ingredients into the large test tube and put a stopper in the top. Shake the tube to mix the
substances together. Take detailed observations.
Pour a small amount of the mixture onto the watch glass.
Keeping a magnet inside of a plastic bag, pass one end of the magnet over the watch glass several
times. Remember to take detailed observations.
Over a large beaker, carefully remove the magnet from the bag (one person can hold the bag while
the other removes the magnet). Allow the material clinging to the bag to drop off into the beaker.
Pour the remaining mixture into a new, clean test tube.
Fill the test tube ¾ full of water and put a stopper on the top and shake well.
Fold a piece of filter paper as demonstrated and place it into the funnel.
The end of the funnel should then be placed in a clean test tube.
Pour the mixture into the funnel and wait until the entire liquid drains.
Take detailed observations.
Pour the remaining liquid from the test tube onto your watch glass.
Use the marker pencil to write your name on the bottom of the watch glass.
Place the watch glass aside as directed by your instructor.
Leave the watch glass exposed to air for 24 hours and observe after.
Data table/observations:
Record all detailed observations below:
Description:
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Description:
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Description:
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Description:
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Create a sketch of this procedure in the box provided. Include a detailed, written
description. Be sure to state what part of the mixture was separated.
Description:
___________________________________________
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Create a sketch of this procedure in the box provided. Include a detailed, written
description. Be sure to state what part of the mixture was separated.
Description:
___________________________________________
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Create a before and after sketch of this procedure in the box provided. Include a
detailed, written description. Be sure to state what part of the mixture was separated.
Description:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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Analysis:
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Based on your knowledge of mixtures, was this a heterogeneous or homogeneous mixture? Explain.
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Each ingredient of the mixture had a specific property that corresponded to each of the separation
techniques. Match the ingredient, the property, and the method of separation---and list below:

1.
___________________________________________________
2.
___________________________________________________
3.
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Were the properties used for separation physical or chemical properties? Explain.
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Why are mixtures easier to separate than compounds? ______________________________________
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Brainstorm another separation technique you could have used for the salt instead of evaporation.
Describe: ___________________________________________________________________________
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Think of another ingredient you could add to this mixture. What would it be and how would you
separate it from the other ingredients? ___________________________________________________
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
Was your hypothesis true or false? _____________________________________________________
Extended Assignment:
Compose a formal conclusion describing your
observations, data analysis, and hypothesis results.