Particle Theory Lab Stations
The particle theory is a widely accepted theory which can be summarized in the five following
statements:
 All Matter is made up of tiny particles.
 All particles of one substance are the same. Different substances are made of different
particles.
 There are spaces between the particles.
 The particles are always moving. The more energy that the particles have, the faster they
move.
 There are attractive forces among particles. These forces are stronger when the particles
are close together.
With your lab group, proceed through each of the five lab stations. At each lab station:
1. Follow the instructions to make your observation.
2. Record your observation (macroscopic).
3. Using the appropriate statement from the particle theory, explain your observations on a
sub-microscopic level. Use the questions at the lab station as a guide for your
explanations.
4. Develop illustrations to explain your observation.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for all lab stations.
6. Develop a whiteboard presentation for your assigned lab station.
Lab Group_________________________________________________
Lab Station_________________________________________________
Observation:
Explanation:
Illustration:
Osmosis Lab Station
Pick up each balloon and identify the scent in each balloon.
Why are you able to detect the scent of something that is inside the balloon?
Syringe Lab Station
1.
2.
3.
4.
Fill up a syringe with air. Plug the end.
Compress the air in the syringe.
Fill the syringe with water. Plug the end.
Compress the water in the syringe.
Is there any difference in your ability to compress a gas versus compressing a liquid? Why or
why not?
Ice Water Lab Station
1. Wipe the outside of the beaker with a towel.
2. Position your face near the beaker of ice water. Breathe on the beaker.
What changes occurred on the beaker? What caused the change?
Dissolving Lab Station
1. Place equal amounts of water in the two Petri dishes. One dish should contain hot water
and one should contain cold water.
2. In each , place a piece of Spree candy.
What is happening in each dish? How are they the same and how are they different?
Alcohol / Water Lab Station
Part I.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Pour 10 mL of alcohol into a 25-mL graduated cylinder.
Then pour 10 mL of water into another 25-mL cylinder.
Now carefully pour the water into the alcohol and stir.
Record the volume of the mixture.
Does the combination of the two liquids read 20 mL?
Part II.
6. Pour 20 mL of sand into a 100-mL graduated cylinder.
7. Pour 20 mL of beans into a 100-mL graduated cylinder.
8. Pour the sand into the beans. Agitate the mixture to thoroughly mix.
9. Does the mixture read 40 mL?
How are the mixtures similar?