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Properties of Matter
Investigation 1
Investigation 1
Properties of Matter
Phase 1 – Defined Understanding
Student Guide
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Student Guide with answers
Teacher PreLab
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Phase 2 – Dynamic Understanding
► Investigation One Summary – Elements, Compounds, Mass and Volume
In Investigation One, you observed physical, quantitative properties of mass and volume to explore the identity of various unknown elements and compounds. During this Investigation, you:
1. Observed physical properties such as size, shape, color, and texture of six unknown substances.
2. Measured the mass in grams (g) of each substance using a triple beam balance.
3. Measured the volume in cubic centimeters (cm3) using the water displacement method in a graduated cylinder.
► Investigation One Summary – Learning Goals
Through these experiments, you concluded that:1. It is unlikely to discern the difference between substances that are elements and those that are compounds because many of the properties such as color, texture, visual appearance, mass, and volume are similar for many of the substances.
2. Without previous knowledge of the properties of all elements and compounds or samples of known elements or compounds, a definite identification using just mass and volume is not possible. However, comparison to known properties is advantageous, and should be used with previous knowledge to begin making hypotheses.
Concept Slides
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Mathematics Concepts in This Investigation
• measuring mass using a digital scale
• mass in grams
• volume in mL and cm3
• volume displacement
• subtraction
• data table
• comparing (non)measurable characteristics
• comparing values
• data analysis
• decimals to nearest tenth
• estimation
• (in)direct relationships