Observing Physical and Chemical Changes Lab with Lesson Plan

This is a lab I built where students complete 6 different stations. At each station they will either complete a physical change or a chemical change. As students observe the change with their groups, they must use evidence collected to decide if the change is a physical or chemical change. The students complete chemical changes like lighting a match and combining lead nitrate and potassium iodide which creates a bright yellow precipitate. Some of the physical changes students complete are heating ice, origami, and mixing food coloring and water.

This lab is a great way to either test students knowledge after teaching students what physical an chemical changes are. It can also make for a great inquiry lab which is how I liked to use it. The students have to use the evidence they collected to decide what kind of change they think it is without the teacher telling them.

A lesson plan is also included with this lab to explain how I set up the lab to make it run smoothly. If you are interested in an editable version of this lab, please contact me. I would be happy to upload one if there is an interest.