Chemistry is the study of the structure of matter and the changes or transformations that take place within those structures. Learning about the properties and behaviors of substances and systems of substances gives us knowledge about how things go together and how they can be taken apart and gives us the opportunity to use and develop models that explain phenomena too small to see directly. Learning about changes in substances can lead to the development of new materials and new ways to produce energy and resources such as clean drinking water.
The Mixtures and Solutions Module engages students with the phenomena of matter and its interactions in our everyday life—mixtures & solutions, solubility, concentration, and chemical reactions. Students have experiences with mixtures, solutions of different concentrations, and reactions forming new substances. They also engage with separation of materials. Students gain experiences that will contribute to the understanding of crosscutting concepts of patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; and energy and matter.
When making lemonade, I add sugar to the mixture of lemon juice and water. As I add the sugar, it seems to “disappear.” How much sugar should I add, and what is happening to it?
How do mixtures act similarly and differently from their component materials?
What are some ways mixtures can be separated?
What is the difference between a mixture, a solution and a chemical reaction?
The documents below have been created to help consider the FOSS materials in the context of the Next Generation Science Standards. We recommend you review, at the very least, the following documents:
Unit Guide - A summary of materials, sequencing and content for the module.
Storyline - An overview of the sequencing and reasons for the various activities
Assessment - A collection of assessment tools including what to look for as students work on the activities.