Sort It Out!

This challenging activity will require you to sort out materials using properties. Make sure that you follow the safety instructions. This activity is designed to test your ability to complete scientific experiments. Good luck!

Materials:

• Test tube
• 4 grams (g.) salt
• 4 grams (g.) sand
• 2 grams (g.) iron filings
• 2 grams (g.) sawdust
• 5 grams (g.) pebbles that will fit into the test tube
• Water
• Forceps (tweezers)
• Magnet
• Balance scale

Procedure:

1. Place all materials except the water, forceps (or tweezers), magnet, and balance scale into the test tube.
2. Determine the material you will attempt to remove first.
3. Use the appropriate tool(s) to remove the material.
   • Use the balance scale to make sure you removed all of the material based on the mass in grams of the material.
4. Continue removing materials (use the water if you need to remove a different substance using its properties as they relate to water.)
5. In the table below, list the materials in the order you removed them and describe how you removed each material from the mixture.
   

   Substance removed	Method used

Analysis:

1. Did you consider the physical properties of the materials when separating them from the test tube?
   • Which physical property was the easiest to use to separate the materials?
2. Did you consider the chemical properties of the materials when separating them?