Making your own Cola - Investigating Mixtures
Initial Publication Date: September 26, 2007
Summary
In this activity, students investigate mixtures by creating their own unique formula for a cola beverage. Students begin by mixing up the basic recipe for the cola beverage. Students then experiment with selected variables such as lime or lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, coffee, club soda, and sugar. Students communicate their findings.
CollapseLearning Goals
This activity is designed for students to investigate the concept of mixtures and concentrations. Students will be expected to use scientific thinking to conduct investigations and build explanations. Vocabulary would include mixture, concentration, and dissolving.
Context for Use
This is an extension activity suggested to use after the completion of the FOSS kit - Mixtures and Solutions. The activity is appropriate for fifth grade and would be workable for a class size of 30 students. The investigation would take two fifty-minute class periods. The first class period would be used for the investigation and the second time period would be used to present the results of the investigation. The activity would need the following food items: club soda, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, lime or lemon juice, food coloring, and coffee. Additional supplies needed are measuring spoons, cups and plastic spoons.
Description and Teaching Materials
Students begin by creating the basic recipe for cola:
1 Tbsp. Sugar ¾ tsp. Vanilla extract
dash of cinnamon
½ lime or lemon juice
½ cup club soda
Students mix the ingredients together well and add ice. This mixture looks very different. Droplets of red, yellow, and/or blue food coloring can be added to achieve the brown color. Students taste the concoction, then measure by full droppers into 6 small cups. The students select two ingredients (the variables) and begin experimenting with their formula by varying the amount of the two ingredients. (1/4 tsp. of decaffeinated coffee may be an additional ingredient.) Students present their formula findings to the class. Students may need an additional basic recipe to refine their formula.
1 Tbsp. Sugar ¾ tsp. Vanilla extract
dash of cinnamon
½ lime or lemon juice
½ cup club soda
Students mix the ingredients together well and add ice. This mixture looks very different. Droplets of red, yellow, and/or blue food coloring can be added to achieve the brown color. Students taste the concoction, then measure by full droppers into 6 small cups. The students select two ingredients (the variables) and begin experimenting with their formula by varying the amount of the two ingredients. (1/4 tsp. of decaffeinated coffee may be an additional ingredient.) Students present their formula findings to the class. Students may need an additional basic recipe to refine their formula.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Students need to accurately measure the ingredients and write down each ingredients and the amount. I would provide a basic formula sheet and additional space for note taking.
I have never used this activity with my students.
I have never used this activity with my students.
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Assessment
The students will perform a step-by-step procedure and then be expected to write down each additional ingredient and amount added to each cup. Students will be assessed on a short summary of their process and results.
Standards
4. I. B.2 and 5. I.B.1—Scientific Inquiry