Chemical+and+Physical+Changes

Physical and Chemical Changes While learning about physical and chemical changes, we completed several investigations and experiments to determine what makes something a physical or chemical change. We learned that physical changes are changes that alter an object's size, shape, position, or state of matter. Chemical changes are reactions that result in a new substance through one of four ways: color change, temperature change, solid formation, or gas formation.

Here are some photos from our experiments:

Investigation #1: How many Styrofoam packing peanuts will fit in a soup can? Answer: Approximately 500 packing peanuts were able to fit in the can with the help of a mystery substance. The result was that the mystery substance allowed all of the air to be released from the packing peanuts. Find a fifth grader to find out the name of the mystery substance. Photos from other experiments in this unit:

Mystery Paper from Halloween Baking Soda and Vinegar Reactions