Kool-Aid Chemistry
Summary
In this chemistry experiment, students will investigate dilution with Kool-aid. The students will use their five senses to explore the solution.
CollapseLearning Goals
This activity is designed for students to:
- Inquire about a common object
- Learn Science language
- Students will learn to observe and create questions about what is occurring around them
Vocabulary:
- Solution
- Dilution
- Strong
- Weak
- Dissolve
- Inquire about a common object
- Learn Science language
- Students will learn to observe and create questions about what is occurring around them
Vocabulary:
- Solution
- Dilution
- Strong
- Weak
- Dissolve
Context for Use
This lesson is designed for pre-K to 1. It can be used as a small group activity or a whole class activity. I use this during snack time but it can be used at any time. It takes approximately 20 minutes with a short lecture about the tools and what they will be doing and the remainder of the time experimenting and inquiring.
Description and Teaching Materials
Resource: More Mudpies to Magnets Science for Young Children
Authors: Elizabeth Sherwood, Robert Williams, and Robert Rockwell
Tools:
-Presweetened kool-aid
-Measuring spoons
-Clear drinking glasses
-Water
-Spoons or stirrers
Lesson:
-Give each student a glass half full of water and a spoon for stirring.
-Give each child or group a measuring spoon. Some will have a ¼ teaspoon, some a tablespoon, and so on.
-Ask the students to put in one spoon full of the drink mixture into the glass and stir it until it dissolves.
-Have the students compare the way their drink looks with others in their group. Compare color, similarities, and differences. Have them guess how it will taste. Will it be strong, weak, or just right? Then have them taste it.
-What do they think is the best amount of drink mixture to use? Read the label on the can.
Do the children agree or disagree with the directions?
-Add more Kool-aid or water so each student can have his or her own.
-Have the students draw their 2 cups and circle the one that was diluted.
Authors: Elizabeth Sherwood, Robert Williams, and Robert Rockwell
Tools:
-Presweetened kool-aid
-Measuring spoons
-Clear drinking glasses
-Water
-Spoons or stirrers
Lesson:
-Give each student a glass half full of water and a spoon for stirring.
-Give each child or group a measuring spoon. Some will have a ¼ teaspoon, some a tablespoon, and so on.
-Ask the students to put in one spoon full of the drink mixture into the glass and stir it until it dissolves.
-Have the students compare the way their drink looks with others in their group. Compare color, similarities, and differences. Have them guess how it will taste. Will it be strong, weak, or just right? Then have them taste it.
-What do they think is the best amount of drink mixture to use? Read the label on the can.
Do the children agree or disagree with the directions?
-Add more Kool-aid or water so each student can have his or her own.
-Have the students draw their 2 cups and circle the one that was diluted.
Teaching Notes and Tips
When I do this activity I actually give each student 2 glasses of water and 2 different spoons so that they can taste the difference in the 2 solutions. Students love this activity and have been successful. I would recommend having napkins near by because someone may spill. Another way to add a different spin to this activity is to get the Kool-aid that changes color when it goes into the water and have the students make predictions before they put it into the water.
Assessment
Observational Assessment:
- While students are experimenting see if they are using science language
- Observe if they are manipulation materials appropriately
Student Work:
- Students will draw their 2 cups and circle the diluted solution.
- While students are experimenting see if they are using science language
- Observe if they are manipulation materials appropriately
Student Work:
- Students will draw their 2 cups and circle the diluted solution.
Standards
Scientific Inquiry: The student will raise questions about the natural world. The student will observe and describe common objects using simple tools.